Stay the course. God is with you.

There are times when traveling that I have tried to avoid certain things, such as tolls, or searched Google Maps to find an alternative route to avoid traffic, only for the app to tell me that I am on the quickest route. At this point, I must decide to trust the app and stay the course or take a detour anyway. Have you ever taken a detour to avoid traffic that you saw up ahead, only to find yourself in the same amount of traffic, if not more? Frustrating, isn’t it?

We often take this same approach as we navigate life's journey. Searching for alternate routes to get us to our destination quicker, or for the route that appeared to have the least amount of discomfort. If we are honest, some of our detours have caused us more trouble than they were worth, or worse, directed us away from God.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". God not only knows the plans for our lives, but they are His plans, and they are good!

When life gets hard, like being in standstill traffic with a steaming radiator and low fuel, we must remind ourselves that not only are God’s plans for us good, but He is also with us. Psalm 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me". This reminds us that even when we feel stuck, stressed, or uncertain, His presence is our peace and our way forward.

We frequently check the navigation app while driving, anticipating the next set of instructions, alerts, or warnings of what is up ahead. Likewise, we should frequently consult with the Lord about His plans for our lives and the direction we are heading. Don’t worry if you have missed a turn or taken a detour; you are being rerouted and encouraged to stay the course. God is with you.