"God's detour"

Just before I took my exams I received a lovely card in the mail.  It was from one of my amazing supporters and dear friends.  Inside the card she had sent me a copy of a page from a book titled Divine Appointments.  I want to share the story that is on the page...

God's detour

"How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it." Matthew 7:14

Gripping their seats as the truck struggled on the read, the volunteers watched as the sheets of rain fell.  None had ever been to Mali before, and only a Bambara translator accompanied them. Suddenly, the truck got stuck in the mud. When the men tried to push the vehicle, it wouldn't budge.

They had been trying to reach the village where a new church was growing. But as the sun set and the reain continued, they knew plans were changing. With no cell phone reception, they helplessly looked to their translator, who suggested trudging to the nearest village. Holding their luggage above their heads, the team walked over a mile to a village. The villagers greeted the dripping strangers with hot tea, a war meal, and a dry hut in which to spend the night. 

A few days later, the ream returned to share the Gospel. Six Bambara men accepted Christ. One convert said, "My grandfather was a Christian but was the only believer. When he died years ago, we lost the road to God. For months, we've seen your groups drived by our village. Your people were not thinking of us, but God was. He said Enough! and stopped your truck in the mud so that we could find the road to Him again." 

-Susan, Sub-Saharan African Peoples

Holy One, guide me to be sensitive to unscheduled interruptions in my agenda and help me respond to your promptings. Empower Bambara believers to boldly share your truth today. Amen.


Upon reading this my heart was yet again set ablaze for the journey God has called me to.  I am thankful He knows what He is doing!

~Nicole