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This keeps me growing - Rene
Sermon Summary
Rene teaches that in life’s unexpected detours and challenges, God is our true reward, blesses us even in difficult times, and has a purposeful plan for our growth through those detours.
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Three biblical narratives—Abraham, Joseph, and the Israelites in Exodus—are held up to illuminate a theology of detours: the unexpected breaks in life’s carefully plotted routes. The material roots the discussion in a personal story of a devastating Chilean earthquake to show how sudden upheaval exposes the fragility of human plans and forces a reorientation toward God. Abraham’s call to go without a map models obedience that waits on God’s promise rather than immediate reward; Joseph’s story demonstrates that God’s presence can make ordinary work and even horrific suffering channels of blessing; and the Exodus journey shows that God sometimes lengthens the route so a people can be formed, not merely delivered. Together, these examples argue that God Himself is the true prize, that blessing can inhabit pain, and that detours are not mere interruptions but formative seasons designed to grow faith, character, and community.
Practical application threads through the reflection: spiritual growth is often one step at a time, not a single spectacular leap; faithful persistence in the small places matters; and memory—reminding oneself of past victories and God’s faithfulness—is an essential spiritual discipline for seasons of uncertainty. The talk refuses simplistic equations of obedience = immediate blessing and instead stresses a patient theology of providence in which God’s ways are higher than expectations. Listeners are urged to name their detours, share them with trusted people, and cultivate practices—journals, songs, images—that anchor memory when doubt presses in. The result is a sober but hopeful spirituality that accepts unpredictability without despair, sees God as reward over results, and believes suffering can be both a shadow and a classroom for deeper formation.
Key Takeaways
1. God is Our Reward, Not Our Circumstances
Rene emphasises that the blessings or achievements we often pray for—like a job, graduation, or a relationship—are not the ultimate reward. Instead, God Himself is our reward. This means that our faith and relationship with God are more important than the material or visible outcomes we expect. Like Abraham, who followed God’s call without a clear map or timeline, we must trust that God is the true blessing in our lives, even when things don’t go as planned.
2. There Are Blessings Even in the Detours
Life often takes unexpected turns—detours—that disrupt our plans. Rene uses Joseph’s story to show that even when he was sold into slavery and later imprisoned, God was with him and blessed everything he did. The detours may be painful and confusing, but God’s presence and blessing remain. This encourages us to trust God’s faithfulness even in difficult or unexpected situations.
3. There is Growth and Purpose in the Detour
The Israelites’ journey out of Egypt was not a direct path but a long detour through the desert. God’s detour had a purpose: to prepare their hearts and strengthen their faith. Similarly, our detours in life are not meaningless; they are part of God’s plan to grow us spiritually and prepare us for what’s ahead. Sometimes God leads us on a longer path because we are not ready for the destination yet.
4. Faithfulness in the Detour is Key
Joseph’s example shows that even when circumstances are tough, remaining faithful to God is crucial. He didn’t give up or lose faith despite being a slave and a prisoner. Rene reminds us that we are not superhuman; growth happens one step and one day at a time. Faithfulness during detours builds character and strengthens our relationship with God.
5. Remember Your Lions and Bears
Drawing from David’s story, Rene encourages us to remember the past victories God has given us over challenges (“lions and bears”) to face current and future giants (“Goliaths”). Keeping these reminders—through journaling, songs, pictures, or sharing with others—helps us stay strong and confident in God’s power during difficult times. Sharing our stories also helps others grow in faith.
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