I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. Psalms 119:57

Detours.  Name one person who actually likes them.  With God, however, even our detours are by design.

Kyle lost his job, but he got a nice severance package.  With money in the bank and a resume that showed his career steadily growing, he wasn’t worried as he started networking and looking for his next opportunity. A follower of Jesus, Kyle prayed that God would guide him into his next position, but the months ticked by. Kyle’s discomfort began to grow, as opportunity after opportunity failed to materialize.

We vastly prefer God to move us from point A directly to point B. When the trip isn’t a non-stop one, or when we can’t “see” how God will work out the details of our lives for what we consider “good,” doubt creeps in. This is the time to dig in even deeper into Him and His Word.

Job, the man in the Bible who lost almost everything in his life to tragedy but held onto God said, “But he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.  For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.  I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23:10-12).

In times of discipline—remember, that means training, not punishment—God’s Word is our solace. “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word,” wrote David (Psalms 119:67).

When it comes to something like a job, God knows you need one. He says, “At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen” (Isaiah 60:22b).