Divine Detours: Learn from Life's Setbacks
A couple of years ago, I was driving on the freeway when a car side-swiped me, tearing up the side of my vehicle. Last year, my car was stolen—completely gone, just like that. About five months later, I was sitting at a stoplight when another car slammed into the back of me. Yesterday, I was parked, a young kid misjudged her turn and crashed into my passenger side sideview mirror.
At this point, I had to ask—What in the world is going on?! Stolen, hit, hit again, and then hit again? Was this just a string of bad luck, or was there a deeper lesson buried in all of this?
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
When life throws obstacles our way, we face a choice: succumb to frustration, anger, or despair, or seek God's purpose and ask, 'Lord, what are You teaching me through this?
Lesson 1: God’s Protection Is Always at Work
Despite everything ( losing a car, getting hit multiple times) I was able to walk away. Sure, the car took damage, but I'm ok. And that’s a reminder that God’s protection isn’t always about preventing trouble; sometimes, it’s about carrying us through it.
Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Lesson 2: Stay Spiritually Aware
Could these incidents be wake-up calls for my spiritual life? Maybe God is nudging me to pay closer attention to my walk with Him. Life has a way of throwing unexpected detours, and we need God’s wisdom to navigate them.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Lesson 3: Keep Moving Forward Despite Setbacks
Cars represent movement, progress, and direction. Each incident (whether losing my car or getting hit) was an interruption. Just like in life, when obstacles threaten to slow us down, we have to keep pressing forward.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Lesson 4: Respond with Grace
None of these incidents were my fault, yet each one tested my patience. Could I respond with grace? Could I extend the same mercy God gives me every day? Sometimes, trials aren’t about what’s happening to us, but how we respond to them.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Maybe your struggles don’t involve cars, but you’re facing repeated trials in another area—relationships, finances, work, or health. If the same problem keeps showing up, it could be that God is trying to teach you something. Instead of frustration, try asking, Lord, what lesson do You want me to learn?
Through it all, one thing is certain—God doesn’t waste anything. Not even stolen cars, fender benders, or life’s unexpected crashes.
Let's Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to see beyond my frustrations and recognize Your hand in every situation. Teach me the lessons You want me to learn. Please give me the patience, wisdom, and grace to navigate life’s unexpected detours and stay focused on you regardless of what he situation. Thank You for Your protection and constant guidance. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
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