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Detours to Glory

The Wrong Bus, But the Right Plan Proverbs 16:9 (KJV): “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”— It all started as such a fun plan — About 30 years ago, my friend Danette and I were excited to go to Kingdom Bound, the Christian music festival at Darien Lake. We met at a church parking lot, found a bus already loading, and assumed it was ours. The people boarding looked a bit older than us, but we thought nothing of it, climbed aboard, and got ready for a day of worship and joy. It didn’t take long before something felt “off.” The bus merged onto I-90, but it was heading west — toward Ohio, not New York! When they began calling names and ours weren’t on the list, we gave each other a look that said it all. Sure enough, we were on the wrong bus — this group was headed to Cleveland for a dinner cruise! They kindly agreed to let us off at the next exit. Standing there laughing by the side of the road, I called a dear friend, Randy, to come and pick us up. When Randy got there and asked us what had happened, we started laughing so hard we were in tears. It wasn’t until much later, long after the laughter had settled into one of our favorite shared stories, that Danette said, “Maybe God was protecting us from something. Maybe that’s why we got on the wrong bus.” Those words resonated within me. What had seemed like a silly mistake suddenly became a gentle reminder of God’s unseen hand in the details of our lives. Life with illness, whether our own or a loved one’s, often brings unexpected challenges, detours, and delays. Like the wrong bus, these moments can feel confusing or even frustrating. But Scripture reminds us: Proverbs 16:9 (KJV): “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” Even when we carefully plan our steps, God knows the ultimate path. He can take a detour we don’t understand and turn it into protection, blessing, or teaching. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God’s plans are always for our good — even when life feels uncertain. This verse reminds us that nothing is wasted, and every unexpected turn can ultimately lead to peace and hope. Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God invites us to rely on Him fully, even when our understanding is limited. Trusting Him allows Him to direct our steps through detours, hardships, or unexpected situations. His guidance is perfect and brings us safely to our ultimate destination. Philippians 1:21 (KJV): “For me to live as Christ, and to die as gain.” I am sure being put in prison was not part of Paul’s plan, but God used that time in Paul’s life for him to write what are referred to as “The prison epistles:” Ephesians Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Aren’t you glad we have them? We never made it to Kingdom Bound that day, but looking back, we realized we were already Kingdom bound in the truest sense. Heaven is our final destination, and every twist, turn, and wrong bus along the way can still lead us closer to Him. Sometimes, the sweetest evidence of God’s care comes wrapped in laughter by the side of the road — with a good friend, a faithful rescuer, and a story that still brings joy years later. Reflection: Can you remember a time when life’s “wrong bus” turned out to be part of God’s protection or plan? How have friends, caregivers, or loved ones reflected God’s care during a challenging season? In what ways can remembering that you are Kingdom bound bring hope, even when your current path feels uncertain? Life is full of plans — and full of detours. We set our course, but God often redirects our path in ways we can’t see at the time. Sometimes, He’s protecting us. Other times, He’s teaching us to slow down, to trust, to laugh, or simply to remember that He is the One steering the journey. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving guidance, even when we don’t understand at the time. Thank You for laughter in the detours and for the friends who share them with us. When my plans fall apart, help me to rest in the truth that Yours never do. Thank You for people you have placed in our lives at just the right time. Father, help to keep me walking, trusting, and rejoicing on this journey that leads home to You—Kingdom Bound. I pray this in the perfect and powerful name of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Links to a few songs: You Are Always Good - The Hamilton Family:    • You Are Always Good - The Hamilton Family   It Is Well with My soul:    • It Is Well With My Soul