This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

Divine Detours

By Martita Lynch

The next day everybody who was anybody in Caesarea found his way to the Great Hall, along with the top military brass. Agrippa and Bernice made a flourishing grand entrance and took their places. Festus then ordered Paul brought in. —Act 25:23 (MSG)

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was eighteen years old and sitting in a large amphitheater with a few hundred other students. It was my first day of law school. We all looked around waiting for the professor. When she finally arrived, she did not seem happy! After a short and cold greeting, she began speaking with disdain about a major change to the Argentine Constitution. It had just been approved that morning—a very important requirement to be president of the country had been removed. No longer was it necessary for the president to profess the official religion of the Republic.

To my horror, the teacher looked at the class and yelled, “Who in this room does not profess the official religion of the republic?” I froze. I had been ridiculed so much in my life that I didn’t want to expose myself again, but I also knew deep in my heart I needed to be brave. I armed myself with the only thing I had: the Word of God. Jesus says, “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father” (Matthew 10:32 ESV). I was trembling, but I raised my hand.

When the professor saw my hand, she replied, “Congratulations, miss, you can now be the president of our Republic.” That small act of courage opened doors to many conversations and moments in which I was able to share my testimony and the gospel throughout my school experience. During law school, I got a small glimpse of what Paul the apostle might have experienced in Caesarea.

In Acts 25, Paul faces several detours before reaching his final destination of Rome. He’s imprisoned for over two years; he’s falsely accused in court by the chief priests and the Jewish leaders; he’s forced to defend himself and tell his testimony in front of different leaders and groups; he has to speak. Among those in attendance are Festus and his council, King Agripa and Bernice, high-ranking military officers, and prominent men of the city. Talk about a place where you need boldness! Who could have orchestrated such a meeting if not God Himself? This place in Caesarea is where God presses the pause button on Paul’s journey to Rome.

God has some people who need to hear Paul’s message. Paul stands before this kangaroo court on manufactured charges and proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a divine detour for Paul. Some of these people are not the most moral or ethical people, but God arranges the circumstances so they get the opportunity to hear the gospel.

God will often place divine detours with unexpected people in our lives, and we need to be attentive to recognize these moments. Just as Paul shared his testimony with courage, we too should be ready to share of God’s work in our own lives with boldness. It’s no coincidence you work with a specific colleague or live next to a certain neighbor. As Christians, we should always be on the lookout for opportunities God might be orchestrating for His glory. We must be prepared to share our faith and explain the reason for our hope whenever the chance arises (see 1 Peter 3:15).

Some people may argue, “I don’t have a compelling story,” or “I’m not sure how to share what God is doing in my life,” or “I’m not great at leading people to Christ.” Let me reassure you and simplify things: in God’s eyes, our success isn’t measured by our results but by our obedience. Don’t let concerns about how others might respond or doubts about the impact of your testimony stop you. What truly matters is your willingness to share, not the outcome. Remember God loves your willingness to be used by Him during the moments He has orchestrated. Pay close attention to the detours—the unexpected interactions—you have along the way.

Of course, we don’t always know the impact of our interactions. When we share our stories and talk about Jesus, we may be planting seeds, or we may be watering seeds someone else has already planted (see 1 Corinthians 3:6). We get the privilege of partnering with God in His plan for a particular person at a designated time. Sometimes it’s just a moment, like in my story, where God only asked me to raise my hand. At the time, I didn’t understand the implications of that small act of obedience. However, the fruit of my obedience brought about many conversations, questions, and opportunities to share the gospel.

What matters is that we remain faithful to follow God’s guidance—going where He detours, saying what He wants us to say, and sharing with those He places in our paths. Then we must simply trust Him with the outcome. Only God opens doors for you to speak and share His work in your life. He brings people into your life so you can share His message with them. So be ready to speak when God sets up a divine detour!

Prayer

Father, I commit to sharing Your work in my life with the people You bring across my path. Whether or not people receive and believe it is in Your hands, Lord. Help me to follow Paul’s example by seeking out and praying for divine opportunities for Your glory. Use my story for Your purpose. Help me to always be ready share the gospel and the hope that’s in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight a person He wants you to share the gospel with and for the boldness to speak up when the moment comes. It may be as simple as starting a conversation or sharing how Jesus has brought peace into your life.
• Pay attention to the unexpected interactions or detours that happen in your life this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in these moments and prompt you to share a word of encouragement or a story about how God has worked in your life. Be ready for God to use you in unexpected ways!

For Further Study

Acts 25; Romans 10:14–15; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; 1 Corinthians 3:6–11; 1 Peter 3:15

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?