I have learned over the past two years that suffering does not preclude blessing—that things of beauty 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 excavated from the ruins of grief and loss, as we each set out on our individual journeys towards healing.
𝐌𝐲 journey has been characterized by solace and setbacks, freedom and fretfulness, victory and vacancy.
It has not been a straight shot, nor has it been an immediate arrival. It has been beset by distractions and detours, but it 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 glorious, nonetheless.
Distractions and detours. You will most assuredly encounter both along the way. Allow me to distinguish between the two:
Distractions lead us away from our destination. Distractions prevent us from arriving. Distractions divert our attention, and diminish our resolve. Detours, on the other hand, may appear to have the same effect, but quite the opposite is true. The difference lies in who (𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐨) is responsible. Distractions are caused by the enemy. Detours are caused by God.
Satan is a saboteur. God is a Savior. Satan employs distractions. God enforces detours. Distractions destroy. Detours enhance. Distractions cripple. Detours perfect. Distractions exhaust. Detours strengthen. Distractions confound. Detours clarify. Distractions stunt our growth. Detours grow us up.
Amy Carmichael said, “In acceptance lieth peace,” and what God promises to give us, through the detours He chooses, is the peace that comes from yielding to His navigation.
The detour is not arbitrary or malicious, but a beneficial gift. It is a 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐠 of our journey to healing and wholeness, where God allows us, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, the joy of discovering the beauty of redemption and the faithfulness of the One who leads us.
He is up to something! We lament that we haven’t already arrived, when all along, He is saying, “Look around, take it in, 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 what awaits you in the detours.”
There are lessons there, and, beloved, class is in session. So, journey on. Don’t lament the detours, 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. There is beauty and redemption that will only be found 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞—off the beaten path, through the detours God allows, and deems necessary, for your healing.
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”
~ 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝟑𝟎:𝟐𝟏