Have you ever been driving along when a detour sign forces you off-course? It can be like that sometimes on the road of life too. You’ve probably experienced it; having a route all planned when someone walks up holding a “detour sign” in the form of unexpected news. Joseph and Mary did. As they were settling into the routine of child-raising and future family planning, an angel appears speaking words of detour:

“Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” – Mathew 2:13 NKJV

Rarely are detours welcomed, even if they’re the result of our own choices. Most people don’t make plans hoping for someone else to change them and time off-course can feel wasted. Egypt hadn’t been part of Joseph’s plan for his young family, but it was God’s way of protecting them. Not only did He send an angel to warn and instruct them, He sent Magi with lavish gifts to fund the journey. God is incredibly gracious that way. He’s always mindful of our location, and will provide what we need as we go.

Where are you today on the journey? Perhaps you’re just getting back on course or you’ve just noticed a warning sign ahead. If so, God is still in control…in Egypt and beyond.