Unexpected Detours

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24

Aiden was a football player in his third year of college. He was hoping to be drafted by a professional football team as soon as he graduated with his degree.

There were already several scouts buzzing about him and his coach hinted that he thought Aiden would be a top draft pick when it came time.

But one day, Aiden was in a car accident when another driver lost control of his vehicle on an icy road. He survived the collision but his shoulder was damaged and his season was cut short.

A well-known surgeon performed an operation on Aiden’s shoulder and told him that with physical therapy, there was a good chance he could go on to play next season.

Although Aiden wondered why the accident had happened, he forced himself to stay positive. He focused on working hard at his physical therapy appointments.

One day while at the office, Aiden met Brittany, a young woman training to become a physical therapist. The two hit it off, bonding over their favorite movies and it wasn’t long before Aiden asked her out.

A year later, after being picked sixth in the draft, Aiden proposed to Brittany.

Aiden smiles when he reflects on the injury that he worried would ruin his career. “Without the accident, I never would have met Brittany. God sent me down a detour that I didn’t understand at the time. But I’m so thankful for it now.”

God, help me to trust in You when my life detours from what I thought it’d be. I believe You care about me and You have good plans for my life even if I can’t see them right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.