Every once in a while, we encounter a detour. It could be while driving down the road, or it might be on the journey of life.
Last week I sang for a large prayer breakfast event in Davenport, Iowa. The speaker for the event was Governor Mike Huckabee. Mike and I have been friends for over 10 years. We enjoy opportunities to be together to share thoughts and times of laughter. He has a great sense of humor.
Following my musical portion of the event, Mike spoke on the “detours of life.” He shared how as an 11-year-old growing up in Hope, Arkansas, he was the catcher for his baseball team. At one game, Mike not only used the catcher’s glove to catch a ball but put his right hand adjacent to the glove to make sure he caught it. In the process, the ball hit his index finger and broke it. It ended his baseball career and to this day he can’t fully bend that finger. It was certainly a detour.
Since he could no longer play baseball, he wound up in the announcer’s booth where the games were broadcast for the local radio station. At first, he would merely announce the players as they came to bat. But one day, the play-by-play announcer didn’t show up and Mike was put into service to call the game. The owner of the radio station recognized Mike’s talent, and in a few years, Mike was working at the radio station. That event initiated a detour that impacted the rest of his life.
All of us can relate to unexpected turns in the road. How we respond to these situations will help determine the outcome. This is where trusting God and resting on the fact that all things work together for good to them who love God, them who are the called according to his purpose.
As I close, I’m experiencing a bit of a detour myself right now. I’ve had surgery on my left shoulder to address some tears in the rotator cuff, labrum and bicep. I am in a time of recovery and healing.
I planned the surgery for this time knowing that members of congress would be on the campaign trail in their home states. I have continued to stay in touch with members by phone, text and email. It’s my intention to return to Capitol Hill following the November election. Your prayers for a speedy recovery would be appreciated.
I would also encourage you to continue praying for our nation. I anticipate the coming months will be challenging. Regardless of how the upcoming election goes, there will be people who will be unhappy with the results. It is important that those who are Christ followers continue to trust God, even though we may not understand the outcome.
God is looking for people who will remain faithful, even when they encounter a detour. Be steadfast. Be faithful. Continue to pray.
Steve