Do you hate detours? Love them? Honestly—who does? Detours interrupt our plans and take us places we didn’t choose. Most of us would rather stay on our planned route. And yet, as the new year begins, I am reminded that detours can sometimes become blessings in disguise.

Beth and I were once traveling with a clear destination in mind when an unexpected road closure forced us to take a detour. Reluctantly, we followed the signs. Along the way, we noticed a small park and decided to stop briefly. We found ourselves enjoying a peaceful river view, and we hiked along the river. Nearby stood a quiet little church with a simple plaque telling the story of its founding—a testimony of faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness through its ups and downs. What began as an inconvenience became an adventure.

As I reflect on this detour, I realize that by nature, we resist detours in life. We prefer control and our own plans. Yet life does not always respect our preferences, and God seems to have his own ideas. For us followers of Christ, we need to follow him, regardless of the path he chooses. That means giving him room to interrupt our routes and redirect our steps. Faith allows God to lead us to places and experiences we did not plan for. One day when we look back, we will recognize the detour he leads us on is what’s meant to be.

Scripture reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8–9).

As we enter this new year, may we trust God enough to follow him and embrace the unexpected—even when he takes us on a detour—believing that his ways, though different and puzzling, will turn out to be always higher and always good.