LIFE’S DETOURS

…Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction

Mark 1:45

Larry and Benita wanted to be missionaries to Venezuela.  They knew that it was God's will to go and make disciples of all nations.  As they prepared to go as missionaries, the day of their departure drew near.  Before they left as Benita and her mother were traveling in their car, there was a crash.  It was a head-on collision.  Benita's neck was broken and she was confined to a wheel chair. Why would God allow this to happen when they were doing the will of God?  As a result, they despaired and did not go to Venezuela. 

Moses had doubts about the will of God because things didn't go as he planned back in Exodus chapter 2.  The people of Israel didn't want to follow him and Pharoah saw his chance to get rid of Moses.  So, Moses fled to the desert of Midian where God sent 4 teachers to give Moses his postgraduate degree in Humility.  They were obscurity, solitude, time and discomfort.  God ground Moses down to the point where he was able to hear the word of God.

Is that where you are today?  Listen to Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 75.  

“Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes.  It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.  I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Is God putting you in a situation that is tough so that you will bow the knee to Him and say, "OK Lord!  I'm ready to listen!  What would you have me do?”

Ike Graham