Momspirational Life

When Life Feels Like a Detour

Life rarely goes exactly as we plan. I can’t tell you how many times my “plans” were not planning at all. This was especially true during my years as an Army wife—I’ll just leave that there. Talk about having (mis)adventures just with the movers—let’s say a washing machine was lost (you read that right).

Anyhoo. Back to seriousness.

Sometimes what feels like a sudden turn or an unexpected pause leaves us frustrated, anxious, or even discouraged. But what if those detours aren’t mistakes or setbacks, but part of God’s design for our lives? After all, isn’t that what Romans 8:28 promises? That God works all things together for our good according to His purpose?

Looking back on certain seasons, I can clearly see moments when everything seemed to take longer than expected. Doors I thought would open remained closed. Paths I believed were straight ahead suddenly rerouted. At first, I wrestled with doubt, bitterness, and impatience—wondering if I had somehow missed God’s plan. But in the quiet moments of reflection, I began to realize something profound: these twists and turns were shaping me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

God was somehow creating beauty in my crooked road. The curves revealed something I never would have seen otherwise—the beauty of the detour. My detour.

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My Story of a Detour

If I can be so transparent with you while remaining modest, I endured the longest detour I ever imagined. Yet, I opened my eyes to see that I needed to draw closer to Jesus. This was a five-year detour, but it gradually became worse each year that passed by. It is uncomfortable to talk about, yet so many women need to hear they are not alone.

My story was the woman who touched the garment of Jesus to be healed of her bleeding she suffered through for twelve years. I had spent money on so many items and remedies to alleviate my symptoms with no success. Doctors said it was part of being a woman, or one would prescribe medication that I felt uncomfortable taking because tests were not conducted.

The past year was incredibly challenging because stress caused me to become weaker and the symptoms worsened. I lost about five pounds, which sounds like a little, but it is too much for my size. I was at my weakest point physically, mentally, and spiritually a few months ago. I was not digging into the Word like I should have. I isolated myself. I was sick. My family had never seen me in such condition, and it wasn’t until I finally had a doctor listen to me. While I don’t know exactly what my issue was, God gave him wisdom to give me a medication to reset my hormones to where I could begin to heal.

That season felt like a detour I didn’t ask for—but God was with me in it.

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Detours Can Reveal God’s Presence

When life feels uncertain, it’s natural to lean on what we can see and understand. Yet it’s often in the detours that God’s presence becomes most clear. These unexpected turns can lead us to new experiences, strengthen our faith, and reveal God’s hand in ways we might have overlooked on the “straight” path.

Rather than viewing these challenges as distractions, what if we saw them as opportunities? Opportunities for growth. For learning. For deeper connection. What feels like a setback might actually be God’s gentle guidance, leading us closer to His purpose and the blessings waiting for us.

Detours are not hurdles to merely “get over.” They’re invitations to slow down, reflect, and trust. Just as a road trip can take an unexpected turn that forces us to slow down and notice breathtaking views, sometimes life’s detours take us on a path where we learn more about ourselves—and more about God.

These moments can become sacred spaces. They drive us to pray more earnestly, to lean on our faith, and to open our hearts to God’s direction in new ways. Through reflection, we begin to notice that what we once called an interruption was actually an essential part of our journey. And in those moments, we are reminded—we’re never walking alone.

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Trusting the Path, Even When It’s Unknown

Navigating an uncertain path is never easy. It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive when the road ahead isn’t quite clear. Yet, Scripture gently reminds us that God orchestrates everything for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

A detour doesn’t mean you’ve lost your way. Sometimes, it’s God’s loving nudge—directing you toward something even greater than you imagined.

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Reflection Questions

• Can you identify a recent season when life didn’t go according to plan? How did you feel?
• In what ways might God be at work through the detours you’ve experienced?
• How can you practice trusting Him in moments of uncertainty or pause?

Even when the path feels unclear, God’s hand is guiding each step. Sometimes the detour is where we grow the most, learn the deepest lessons, and prepare for the road ahead.

Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and ask God to reveal the purpose hidden in the unexpected turns of your life.

With love,
Tabitha