Last Sunday I received “notice” that I was the target of God’s Divine detour and to be honest, I wasn’t surprised.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

Just the day before I’d been working on exciting new developments for my business and needed to make several decisions.   I was unsure of the best way to move forward and it was impacting productivity, so I stopped work and started a chat session with God.

I was explicit in asking for clarity and wisdom for several things which came to mind, from seemingly small things to big picture, long-range vision types of questions.  When I’d communicated everything I wanted to share with Him,  I closed the chat window and went back to work.

I don’t know how God talks to you, but His ways of communicating with me can be “interesting.”   Later that night, I was laying out clothes, jewelry, and shoes to wear to church when God re-initiated our chat session.

A Pair of Socks

“Be sure to pick socks which won’t bother you if other people see them.”  It might sound a bit strange to you but to me, that said it all.   God had let me know there would be an opportunity for me to deeply connect with Him, and I often take my shoes off when that happens.  Think of Moses when He approached the burning bush.

As I got ready for church the next day I smiled as I put on a pair of black socks with multi-colored hearts on them.  I knew it was going to be a special day.

And Then It Happened

The time of praise and worship was deep and the atmosphere was prepared for hearts to receive from God.  As the band played quietly our Pastor walked on stage with her speaking notes, a bottle of juice, her chapstick and then she did something out of the ordinary.  She skipped the “normal” order of service, told us God had given her a whole new message 1 1/2 hours earlier, and began to share a powerful Word from God.  Praise and worship music continued to play as she shared the word of God.

God’s Divine Detour

About twenty minutes later, just as she was inviting people to connect with God, she looked straight at me and spoke God’s Divine Detour to me.  The words she shared included direct answers to specific requests I’d made the day before and confirmed what I had already sensed — that God was detouring me from my current path and into something new.  Tears of peace, relief, and conviction to pursue God’s plan streamed down my face as I took in what God had said to me.

How do you know?

So how do you know what you’re hearing is from God and not yourself or someone or something else?

• Develop a personal relationship with God.  Just as it is with the people closest to us, it’s easiest to communicate with someone when you know their style, personality, and approach to communication.  This is true in our relationship with God.  He’s a one-size-fits-all kind of God and relates to us in ways which work best for each of us.  (John 15:5)
• Connect with Him on a regular basis through prayer, listening, and time in the Bible.  It doesn’t always have to be a certain time in a specific way.  On busy days I pray on my way to the grocery store, to work, and while walking the dog.  I connect with Him when I listen to life-infusing, uplifting music which shares the truth of God.  For me, the hardest part is making the time to listen.  (1 John 5:14-15)
• Ask God for confirmation.  It’s not uncommon for God to give me three different confirmations about the direction I should be taking or a change I should make.  I used to think it was because He felt I needed to hear it that many times.  Then I came to understand it had more to do with His grace and mercy – He was confirming I was on the right path.  (Judges 6:36-40)
• Talk with someone who you trust about what you’ve heard and ask them to pray with you.  (Matthew 18:19-20)
• Use a Bible study tool or concordance to research what the Bible says about what you heard.  God will never conflict Himself.  (Hebrews 6:18)

Prayer for when you encounter God’s Divine Detour

Heavenly Father, I seek your truth, clarity, and purpose in my life.  I come before you humbly seeking your will and plans for my life.  Speak clearly so I may know the direction you would have me take, even when it involves a Divine Detour.  Protect my heart, mind, and spirit from deception.  I release my plans and ways to you and seek to hear your voice.  Thank you for loving and accepting me, just as I am.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!