Experiencing Joy in the Detours of Life

In Minnesota we say there are only two seasons: winter and road construction. 

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Another way to put is winter and detours. Enough detours sometimes to confound the GPS and add tons of time to getting anywhere. 

We have detours right by our house right now. The way we usually go to get quick access to the highway is blocked on weekdays. How many times have I headed the old route before seeing the detour signs? Don’t ask. 

Life has its detours, too. And life detours can suck the joy out of our lives.

But they don’t have to.

The apostle Paul is on a detour. The traveling missionary and church planter is languishing in prison. But languishing is the right word. He’s thriving. He’s hurting, but he’s also rejoicing. He’s joyful. 

Why? How? That’s what we’re looking at this week as we explore Philippians 1:12-30.

Anyone you know experiencing life detour that you could invite to this weekend?