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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.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Embracing Life's Unexpected Detours
Scripture:
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV - In their hearts humans plan their - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Life often feels like a journey with a clear destination, where we set our GPS and expect a smooth path to our desired future. We plan our education, careers, relationships, and retirement, envisioning a happy, predictable life. However, the reality is that unexpected "detours" frequently appear, challenging our carefully laid plans. These detours can be anything from a difficult conversation with a doctor or a boss to a strained relationship, or even a simple parking ticket that disrupts our day. These unlooked-for moments are not part of our initial map, yet they are an inevitable part of our journey.
Reflection:
What was a recent "detour" that challenged your carefully laid plans, and how did you initially react to it?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being with me today. Bless our church and seal your word in my heart. I pray for your strength and peace for those facing hard detours in life. Give them clarity and guidance to take the right steps. I receive your peace, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 2: God, Our Ultimate Reward
Scripture:
Genesis 15:1 (NIV)
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
Genesis 15:1 NIV - The LORD’s Covenant With Abram - Bible Gateway
When we encounter life's detours, our natural inclination is to pray for specific outcomes—a new job, healing, reconciliation, or a particular achievement. We often view these desired circumstances as the "reward" for our faith or obedience. However, the story of Abraham reminds us that God's instruction to "go to the land that I will show you" came with no map or timeline, only a promise. After years of struggle and uncertainty, God reassured Abraham, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abraham. I am your shield, your very great reward." This profound truth teaches us that God Himself, not the gifts or positions He might grant, is our ultimate and greatest reward.
Reflection:
In what specific area of your life are you currently seeking a "reward" (e.g., a job, a relationship, a specific outcome)?
How might shifting your focus to God Himself as the reward change your perspective on that pursuit?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember that You are my greatest reward, beyond any success or blessing I may seek, Amen.
Day 3: Blessings Within the Detour
Scriptures:
Genesis 39:2-3 (NIV)
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did,
Genesis 39:2-3 NIV - The LORD was with Joseph so that he - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Joseph's life is a powerful testament to God's presence and blessing, even in the most painful detours. Sold into slavery by his own brothers and later imprisoned unjustly, Joseph experienced circumstances that seemed devoid of any blessing. Yet, the Scriptures repeatedly declare, "The Lord was with Joseph." This divine presence meant that even as a slave and a prisoner, Joseph was blessed, and everything he did prospered. God's blessing is not dependent on our external circumstances; it flows independently of the difficulties we face. Even when the plan seems gone and the roads feel blocked, the blessing of God still flows through you and around you.
Reflection:
Reflect on a past difficult season or "detour." Can you identify specific ways God's presence or blessing was evident, even if it wasn't immediately apparent at the time?Prayer:
Father, strengthen me to remain faithful and hopeful, knowing You never leave me alone. Amen.
Day 4: Purpose in Every Detour
Scripture:
Exodus 13:17-18 (NIV)
Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders. On that day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.
Exodus 13:7-8 NIV - Eat unleavened bread during those seven - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
The journey of the Israelites out of Egypt offers another profound insight into God's ways. While there was a shorter, more direct route to the Promised Land, God intentionally led them on a longer, desert detour. The reason was clear: "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." God knew they weren't ready for the battles ahead; they needed time for Egypt to be taken out of their hearts. This reminds us that there is always a reason and a purpose for the detours in our lives. God, like a loving parent, takes care of us, preparing us for what lies ahead, even when His path seems longer or more challenging than we expect.
Reflection:
Considering a current challenge or unexpected path in your life, how might God be using this "detour" to prepare you or others for something you cannot yet see?
Prayer:
Father, teach me to grow in faith and character through every detour You allow in my life. Amen.
Day 5: Remembering God's Faithfulness
Scripture:
1 Samuel 17:36-37 (NIV)
Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
1 Samuel 17:36-37 NIV - Your servant has killed both the lion - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
In the midst of life's detours and the "Goliaths" we face, it's crucial to remember God's past faithfulness. David, facing the giant Goliath, drew strength from remembering how God had helped him defeat a lion and a bear while tending sheep. These past victories, these "lions and bears," serve as powerful reminders that God was with us in our previous detours and will be with us in our current ones. Remembering these moments, whether through journaling, a song, a picture, or by sharing our stories with others, strengthens our faith for the next challenge.
Reflection:
What is one specific "lion" or "bear" (a past challenge where God showed up) that you can intentionally remember and share with someone this week to strengthen your own faith and theirs?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for never leaving me and for giving me victory through Jesus Christ. Amen
Day 6: Faith in the Unexpected: Trusting God Through Life’s Surprises
Scripture:
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV - And we know that in all things God - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Life rarely goes as planned. Just like Abraham, Joseph, and the Israelites, we often set our GPS for a smooth journey, only to find unexpected detours along the way. These detours can be confusing, painful, and sometimes frightening. But the story of Abraham reminds us that God’s reward is not the destination or the blessings we expect—it is God Himself. Even when the path is unclear, God is our shield and our reward.
Joseph’s story shows us that God’s presence and blessing can be with us even in the darkest detours—whether in prison or slavery. God’s providence doesn’t always look like we expect, but He is always faithful. The Israelites’ long journey through the desert teaches us that sometimes God’s detours are for our growth and preparation, not just to get us to the destination faster.
When life shakes us like an earthquake or throws us a detour sign, we can trust that God is with us. He is working in the background, shaping our character, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for what’s ahead. Our challenge is to keep faith, take one step at a time, and remember that God is the ultimate reward.
Reflection:
When was the last time you faced a detour in your life? How did it affect your faith?
What “lions and bears” has God helped you overcome that you can remember for strength today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You are with me in every detour and every unexpected turn. Help me to trust You when the path is unclear and to remember that You are my shield and great reward. Give me peace in the midst of uncertainty and the strength to keep moving forward one step at a time. May I be a blessing to others who are walking through their own detours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 7: Faithfulness in the Everyday
Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV - Do not be anxious about anything, but - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Sometimes we expect God to show up only in big, dramatic moments — the “detours” in life. But God is faithful even in the quiet, everyday moments. He blesses us and is with us in the ordinary routines, the small tasks, and the daily challenges. In the sermon, we heard about Joseph’s story — how God was with him even when he was a slave and a prisoner. That’s a powerful reminder that God’s blessing isn’t just for the mountaintop moments but also for the valleys and the daily grind. Joseph didn’t sing and dance every day; he faced hard days but stayed faithful.
Reflection:
What everyday “detours” or responsibilities fill your life right now—work, family, study, or caring for others—and how might God be present with you in them?
Where might God be blessing your faithfulness in small or unnoticed ways, even when your efforts feel insignificant?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to see Your presence in the everyday moments. Thank You for being with me in the small things and the big things. Teach me to be faithful one day at a time, trusting that You bless my life even in the ordinary. Amen.
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