5 Ways to Recognize God’s Hand in Life’s Unexpected Detours

Have you ever felt stuck in life’s waiting room? That awkward space between what was and what’s next? You’re not alone. Recently, I found myself pondering this very situation after hearing a powerful message that resonated deeply with my own journey.

When God Redirects Your Path

Last night at Legacy Baptist Church, Pastor Donnie Edwards shared something that hit home: “Never underestimate something that pauses you, detours you, or completely stops you. It could be God.”

He illustrated this with a personal story about planning a mission trip. Despite spending over 70 hours on the phone trying to arrange flights and accommodations, he kept hitting roadblocks. Finally, in a moment of clarity, he felt the Holy Spirit saying, “Don’t book the trip.”

What if those frustrating obstacles in your life aren’t just bad luck? What if they’re divine redirections?

The Uncomfortable Truth About God’s Will

We often expect God’s plan to feel good, to make sense immediately. But Pastor Donnie emphasized a different reality: “God’s will is not about running to the pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. God’s will sometimes is hard, sometimes it’s difficult, sometimes it’s uncomfortable.”

This truth resonated with my own experience. In 2022, I was at the peak of my career in public relations. I had just completed a project I was passionate about and was serving in a role I absolutely loved… when God closed that door.

Looking back, the signs were there. For months, I’d been applying for positions that might better fit our family’s needs, but despite making it to final rounds of interviews several times, nothing materialized.

Then came the moment of truth. After my role was redefined in a way that removed the aspects I loved most, I prayed a simple prayer: “God, if this is where you need me next, please make it obvious.”

Within minutes, my Connect Group Leader texted about a part-time position at our church. The catch? My salary would be slashed by 75%, and I’d lose all benefits—insurance, retirement, paid time off.

But what I gained was immeasurable. During those 18 months on church staff, God cultivated spiritual growth I desperately needed. I learned to pray aloud confidently. I developed finance and HR skills I was weaker in. He was preparing me for something I couldn’t yet see.

The Question That Changes Everything

Pastor Donnie posed a challenging question: “If God asked you to do it, would you be willing to do it? If God asked you to change, would you be willing to change—maybe careers, maybe addresses?”

This question found me in 2022 when our church was going through a pastoral transition. When a call went out for volunteers to restart the ReEngage marriage ministry, my husband and I felt God nudging us to step up.

I hesitated. I had only been baptized earlier that year and felt woefully unprepared in my Biblical knowledge. But I knew four things: I loved God, I loved people, I loved marriage, and I was grateful for what God had done through this program in my own marriage.

We could have easily said, “We don’t have time” or “We aren’t equipped,” but we answered the call. God partnered us with another couple who had the Biblical knowledge we lacked, and together we grew stronger in ways I never anticipated.

Walking Through Open Doors With Confidence

One of my favorite points from the message was: “When God opens a door, have the faith to step through it. Because if God’s called you to the open door, He knows you’re ready to walk through that door.”

Through our “yes” to ReEngage, we had the privilege of leading three semesters and walking alongside 18 couples. Every time I felt inadequate, I was reminded that God doesn’t always call the equipped—He equips the called. He knew we were ready for that door long before we did.

This truth is so reassuring! When we doubt our readiness or qualifications, we can remember that if God opens the door, He’s already equipped us for what’s on the other side.

Finding Peace in the Hallway

Perhaps the most beautiful image Pastor Donnie shared was this: “If God has closed the door and you’re in the hallway waiting for God to open the next door, learn to praise Him in the hallway until the next door opens.”

This is exactly where we find ourselves now. Recently we made the decision to switch churches and become part of a body of believers in the community where we live. Through this change, we’ve seen more families accept our invitations to attend church closer to their homes.

But the transition hasn’t been easy. After three years of heavy church involvement, we’ve spent the last two months as spectators, merely attending our new church without a servant’s role.

It’s been a season of rest, learning, and family worship, but also of questioning. Was switching churches truly God’s will or our own? Will He use us in marriage ministry again or does He have something completely different in mind?

Last night was a good reminder that these hallway moments—the spaces between what was and what’s next—are often the hardest. But they’re also precious opportunities to deepen our trust and praise God even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Your Turn

Has something similar happened in your life? Have you struggled with God closing doors that seemed good or doubted whether to walk through a new door He’s opened?

Sometimes the most uncomfortable seasons lead to the greatest blessings if we’re willing to trust His leading. The hallway may feel lonely, but it’s never without purpose.

I’d love to hear how God has guided you through transitions and redirections. Share your story in the comments below!