Closed Doors. Open Doors. Detours.

We’ve all stood before a closed door wondering, “Why not this one?” We’ve all burst through an open door with excitement, only to find confusion on the other side. And we’ve all been rerouted, detoured through roads we never wanted or imagined.

But somehow, they all led to the same truth: God’s plans are different than ours.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 29:11). Those two words—“I know”—hit different when you realize they also mean: you don’t.

And that’s where faith comes in.

Recently, I listened to a message from Pastor Steven Furtick at Elevation Church. It ministered deeply to a part of me that felt lost and confused. I was navigating new terrain—what I thought was the Promised Land—and yet it felt strangely like the wilderness.

That tension between the promise and the unknown is something sacred.

When God is doing something new in your life, it almost never looks the way you pictured it. It moves slower than you wanted. It takes longer than you planned. And it often comes with more detours than you expected. But that doesn’t mean you’re off track. It may actually be confirmation that you’re right where God wants you to be.

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”— Hebrews 11:8

Like Abraham, we walk by faith, not knowing exactly where we’re going, but trusting the One who does. Faith doesn’t require knowing the next step. It simply asks for obedience and trust in the One who holds the map.

In the uncertainty—when my heart is tempted toward anxiety—I’ve learned to press in instead of pulling away.

I ask Jesus hard, honest questions:

• Why am I afraid right now?

• Why do I need to know what comes next?

• Why do I feel so insecure?

• Why do I want control so badly?

  
  

Each conversation gently reveals another lie I’ve believed. Each answer leads me closer to healing and truth. God uses these sacred detours to uproot fear and pride, to unmask shame, and to realign me with His heart. Because here’s what I’ve found: the detours, the closed doors, the open doors; they’re not just about direction. They’re about transformation.

They guide me toward the promise, yes. But the true treasure? It’s not the promise.It’s Him.

The more I journey with Jesus, the more I see:

• His hand of protection over what I thought I wanted.

• His kindness in the not yet.

• His grace over every imperfect step.

• His mercy covering the places I’ve tried to hide.

  
  

He deals with my pride. He tends to my shame. He anchors me when my heart is tempted to wander.He teaches me how to be loved… and how to love in return.

So if you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or out of place—take a breath.You’ve never traveled this way before. It’s okay not to know what you’re doing. What matters is this: God knows what’s next.

He sees the whole story. He knows the timing. And no limitation, fear, or trauma can cancel His plans. Will you take His hand? Will you slow down and trust the journey? Because the journey with Him will always be greater than the destination without Him.

You are held. You are seen. You are deeply, deeply loved.

And even in the detours, you are right on time.