It’s getting close to “that” time of year again. You know what I mean, the time of year when Indiana’s state flower blooms and blesses us all with its brilliant orange color. Yes, I’m talking about construction barrels. The only question is how many ways they will find to block me from my intended destinations. Will they leave one direct route open or force me to rely on a map system that will have to recalculate my route so many times it will begin to sound like it’s about to suffer a nervous breakdown?
Isn’t life so often like that, though? Yesterday’s meditation invited us to think about when plans change. But what about when the plan remains the same but the route changes?
In Acts 16, Paul had a clear mission strategy and a good map—go here, preach there, and keep moving forward. His plan was efficient. He was focused. It was apostolic productivity at its finest.
And then the Holy Spirit said … no. Twice. Not no to his mission, but no to his route.
Paul gets a vision that forces him to recalculate his route. His well-laid plans were instantly redirected when divine orange barrels popped up all around him. His message about Jesus didn’t change, but the “follow me and see what happens” aspect of his faith had to be more than a little unsettling.
We tend to think faithfulness looks like sticking to the script … and often it is. But sometimes grace interrupts and, when it does, we need to listen. Because God’s detours aren’t random. They’re relational. They’re meant to connect us more closely with God or with others who need something we have to give. They’re opportnities for us to grow in our faith and to share our faith with others.
There’s a lesson for us in Acts 16. Paul didn’t argue or point out how his route had been carefully thought out and planned. He listened, and he went. None of this means I will ever appreciate the summer outbreak of orange barrels … but they can serve to remind me that when divine ones come my way, they have a greater purpose and I need to recalculate my route.
Just a few random thoughts on a gray morning with a few stray raindrops and occasional rolling thunder.
Prayer: Spirit of God, interrupt me when I’m headed the wrong way—even if I think it’s the right way. Help me see the barrels you place in my way as a holy redirection rather than a source of frustration. Give me ears to hear and courage to follow. Amen.
