We set out to visit two National Parks in the north to get away from the Oklahoma summer heat. The journey set in our GPS with plans for hotels and restaurants set along the way as we began another grand adventure but instead of driving from one planned destination to another; we pulled off the road to follow signs toward waterfalls we hadn’t even known were there. Each detour revealed another unexpected gift.
How often do we become so focused on where we’re going that we miss what God has placed in our path?
We set our destinations, but God wanted to give us more than just those parks. He delights in giving gifts to his children, and the bonus waterfalls reminded me of his unexpected gifts in life that we sometimes forget to see or appreciate. Perhaps God puts things along our journey that invite us to stop rushing and simply notice Him.
Interruptions in the Journey
It can be so frustrating when something interrupts the journey of life. Whether it’s a flat tire on the way to work, canceled dinner plans, or an unexpected meeting just as we are preparing to head home for the night. Such events force us to change our plans and may even put us in a bad mood. These situations remind me of the Bible verse from Proverbs 16:9 (NLT). The verse reminds us that we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. And, like the unexpected waterfalls on our journey reminded me, we may never know why an interruption occurs, but we can trust God is present in it. He can use even the delays, disappointments, and unexpected turns of life for His purposes. We should learn to appreciate and thank God for them because they are part of his plan for our lives.
The Waterfall Journey
Water keeps moving even when it encounters rocks, cliffs, fallen trees, and obstacles. God doesn’t always give us a clear path because he knows the obstacles ahead that we can’t see. Maybe God kept us safe from a wreck by delaying our journey. Or maybe we will encounter someone who needs our help during the delay. Like a waterfall, our job is to keep moving along the path God has prepared for us.
A waterfall wouldn’t exist without the place where the water loses solid ground beneath it and falls to the river below. In our interrupted journey, those are the moments when God asks us to trust Him when we can’t see his purpose. An unexpected event, like a job loss or sudden illness, can leave us feeling like the ground beneath us has crumbled. Those are often the moments when faith becomes more than something we talk about. When the ground beneath us seems to disappear, we discover if we believe Christ is the Rock beneath our feet.
The chaos of the waterfall shapes the rock beneath it. This doesn’t happen in one dramatic moment, but through persistence. Our faith can grow the same way, through prayer, Scripture reading, obedience in the turmoil, and choosing to trust God even through the interruptions of the journey.
The waterfall visits on our adventure allowed us time out of the car to stretch our legs as we walked. The fresh air revived us and gave us a sense of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the drive. Perhaps God puts things along our journey that invite us to stop rushing and simply notice Him. God knows when we need rest and peace from all the craziness of the world.
Rainbows in the Interruption
As the water frothed, swirled and plunged down the falls, and as sunlight caught the mist, a rainbow appeared above the rushing water. I smiled at the unexpected bonus. We hadn’t planned the waterfall, and we hadn’t planned the rainbow. Yet there it was, another reminder that some of God’s most beautiful gifts appear in places we never intended to visit.
The rainbow is a symbol of hope, promise, and God’s divine presence. It is associated with the throne of God, and the Bible describes it as a colorful, radiant display of His glory. Even in this unexpected journey, God is with us and his promises protect us.
Prayer for the Journey
Heavenly Father, my plans have changed, and I feel overwhelmed. Slow me down today. Open my eyes of faith to see your hand even in the unexpected turns and inconveniences of life. Help me pause, breathe, and pray before I react. Remind me of the wisdom in your timing and that you are still in control of every storm. Turn this interruption into an opportunity to love you more, to accept your comfort, and to serve the people right in front of me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Oh, how I too have come to look for those unexpected detours from God. While I’m focused on the task at hand, God will almost always bring something to my attention that I had not planned for. This past week, it was persistent little hummingbird that kept trying to drink for our windchimes. That led me to break from what I was doing to go purchase a hummingbird feeder and some electrolytes for him. A week later, two feeders and over twenty little friends to brighten my day. Each interlude brings Matthew 25:30 to mind and leads me to remember my purpose for being a good steward of The Haven, the little cabin in the woods God led me to design and build after the loss of my dear wife. The blessings keep coming as I seek to honor Him. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of embracing the detours that God brings our way, for our betterment.
That is so beautiful JD. It must be amazing to see all those little hummingbirds enjoying the treat on their journey. Through you, God is providing. Blessings
I love how God sends rainbows to remind us of His promises. 🙂 God bless you and your family.
They are so special. It is a blessing to see them. Blessings to you and yours
This is so good, Yvonne. How the chaos of the waterfall shapes the rock beneath it. I’m thankful Christ is the solid rock we stand on. Love how you asked, “How often do we become so focused on where we’re going that we miss what God has placed in our path?”
Thank you Karen. I can only imagine all the things we miss when we stop focusing on Christ. We are so easily distracted in this life. Blessings
I’ve found the destination is great, but the journey is where all the real spiritual work happens.
Amen Jessica. That is so true for our walk. Thanks and blessings to you
My husband is much better at welcoming the interruptions! You provided a good reminder of God’s good gifts in those interruptions.
I’m learning to appreciate the interruptions because they so often turn out wonderful. Thanks Debbie m. Blessings