As we had multiple Christmas Eve services, our church was closed yesterday so we decided to attend a smaller church not far from our house. We knew a few folks there and were so blessed by the pastor’s simple message that ended on the idea that we should thank God even in the detours of life. That got me to thinking over our lives as we have moved so many times that it seems that most of it has been a detour. If that is how you feel, then I hope today’s devotional would be an encouragement for you.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, Philippians 4:11-12a ESV
Our two boys were in their early teens when we moved for the fifth time in our marriage. We had just found a local church that we enjoyed attending and there met an older couple named Dick and Chickie. Their children lived far away so they adopted our kids as honorary grandchildren. Whenever they invited us over for coffee and pie, we loved listening to their stories. My favorite was how they met in the hall in Junior High, when Dick slipped a note into Chickie’s hand asking if she would meet him after school. Well one thing led to another and not long after high school they were married and moved six blocks down the street from the school into the house where Dick had been born. Now, I had moved six times by the time I graduated from high school, so when people asked where I was from, I had to decide which place to claim. Just about all my life seemed like a detour and I longed to belong anywhere that would be willing to claim me. But whether we have lived in one house all our lives or moved a million times, today’s verse encourages us to be content. Wherever we are or whatever we have is never the key to our happiness or contentment. What matters is knowing that in every situation we are exactly where God has chosen and have all that we need for now. We just need to remind ourselves that He is our true destination, and He has designed our detour to lead us straight to Him!
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Such a good reminder, Pete, to be content. Just the other day I was reminiscing with our son about the homes we have lived in his life. The one that we lived in longest, the one he calls ‘home’ is probably the one I struggled most to be content and I told him my regret over that. Yet, through my discontent, that home did have the best memories as a family, it was the one I mourned to leave. Perhaps in my discontent, God endeared that place that HE chose for us to me. Ah … the learning that never stops! The detours that keep leading us heavenward.
Blessings,
Carole
Some of the best adventures happen when we take the detour.
Such wise words, Pastor Pete! Wherever God has me is where I need to be. He will provide all I need for this moment. Come to think of it, the detours in my life have often brought the greatest blessings. Why? Because God is still God—wherever you are.
And His detours are inevitably the narrow difficult trail even though the popular wide cruising boulevard seems so much easier to travel on. It’s all about destination.
True!
Great story. May God continues to bless your ministry.
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