DETOUR INSTRUCTIONS*
For you, if you find yourself on an unexpected road.
Not everyone will understand your pain, which is why
you DON’T LET OTHERS DICTATE YOUR EMOTIONS. They might say you shouldn’t doubt or fear
or be angry, but they aren’t you. It’s okay to doubt, fear, or get angry, as long as you
TELL GOD EVERYTHING. “I’m angry at You.” “I don’t think You love me.” “I feel abandoned.”
God can handle it, and you need to say it. END EVERY PRAYER WITH “THY WILL BE DONE” even
if you’re screaming it, sobbing it. You need to say that, too. BE ALERT TO OVERINDULGENCES,
the repeated behaviors you sink into to block out your pain. A numb heart can’t heal.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, so someone else doesn’t have to. Your emotions need sleep and
nourishing food as much as your body does. If you need it, ASK FOR HELP. (It’s hard
to ask.) PRAISE GOD FOR THE DESERT FLOWERS, the tiny signs of His grace. FIND A CONFIDANTE
WITH WHOM YOU CAN SHARE YOUR PAIN. If you talk to everyone about your story, try silence
sometimes. If you talk to no one, try sharing your story. IDENTIFY WHAT HELPS YOU PROCESS
YOUR PAIN. Writing, nature walks, friends, or music might soften the ache. Prescribe
whatever soul medicine works for you, but don’t overdose on it. YOU CAN’T CONTROL YOUR
CIRCUMSTANCES, SO SEEK OUT THE ONE WHO CAN (AND WILL). Saturate yourself in God’s Word, but
don’t expect to see immediate spiritual growth. The growth often comes later, with
the healing. LOOK FOR OTHERS ON THEIR OWN DETOURS AND ENCOURAGE THEM. You will encourage
yourself. GOD MAY NEVER TELL YOU WHY, BUT HE WILL SHOW YOU HOW. Don’t try to hide your pain,
your questions. BE PATIENT. God’s timing isn’t yours, but it’s as good as He is. Yes, He is
good. You may not see it now, you may doubt it, but HE IS BOUNDLESSLY GOOD AND FULL OF
GRACE. Grace is yours for the asking. ASK. SEEK. FIND HIS GOODNESS, FULL OF GRACE. Find Him
on your detour, and YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE.
YOUR DETOUR BELONGS ONLY TO YOU.
* Taken from my experience. Yours will be different, but our God is the same. May He go with you.
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