Detour Ahead

“Please be still!” I said with exasperation as I tried to apply sunscreen to my nine year son as he squirmed away from me.  When he was sufficiently slathered in UV protection and playing in the pool, I relaxed on the patio and opened to Psalm 46. As I read through the Psalm I arrived at verse ten.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Be still. Those are words any parent is very familiar with. Whether you’re trying to brush a toddler’s hair, keep a wiggle worm still in church, or trying to rock a fretful baby to sleep, you’ve surely said those words.  Over the years I have learned that there are number of reasons it’s difficult for children to keep still. It could be that they are bored and frustrated.  Maybe they are crabby. Perhaps they aren’t feeling well. Sometimes they just lack self-discipline. Whatever the reason, being still and patient doesn’t come naturally.

Truth be told, being still and patient doesn’t come naturally to adults either. At least, not to this adult. There are many times I have behaved like a flinching child trying to avoid something that is for my own good.  It’s difficult to be still and endure the trials this life brings.  Counting it a joy is even more difficult. However, that is exactly what we are supposed to do.  James 1:2-4 instructs us:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

I am so grateful for the reminder that when we are going through difficult times, those times aren’t without a purpose.  Like my son, Jacob, I may flinch and wiggle a little, but ultimately I know that God has a purpose in everything that happens in my life. The routes I choose are sometimes met with detours causing me to take a different direction than I’d planned.  When I come upon one of those “detour” situations in my life, I need to make the adjustment and proceed on the route I’m given.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

(Proverbs 16:9)

What trials are you facing today? Have you just come upon a detour sign that’s taking you in a different direction than you’d planned? Are you trying to follow the detour route and feeling as if you will never reach your destination? Don’t grow weary!  God has a purpose for you and is capable of using the circumstances you are in for your benefit. Your steps have been determined. Choose to trust Him and stay the course. You’ll get there!