I tend to
get stuck in my ways, so anything that diverts me from my routines and plans
can be very annoying. Worse yet, life’s diversions are sometimes unsettling and
painful. But God, who said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your
ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8), knows that He often needs to divert us in order to
make more of our lives than we would have if we had stuck to our original
plans.
Think of
Joseph. God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God’s chosen people
from starvation. Or of Moses, who was diverted from the luxurious lifestyle of
Pharaoh’s house to meet God in the wilderness in preparation to lead God’s
people toward the Promised Land. Or of Joseph and Mary to whom the angel
announced the most significant diversion of all. Mary would be with child, and
this child would be called “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins”
(Matt. 1:21). Joseph believed in the bigger purpose that God had for him,
surrendered to the diversion, and obediently “called His name Jesus” (v.25).
The rest is wonderful history!
We can
trust God’s greater plans as He does His far better work in the history of our
lives.
Let God
direct—or redirect—your steps. (RBC)
