In Ontario, where I live, there is lots of snow in January. One advantage to the snow is that it limits road construction. When the weather turns warmer, it seems we move right into a “Detour” season. When you leave your house in the morning, you have a plan and you think you know the roads you’ll be taking. Then a “Detour” sign pops up and takes you a different way.

I wonder if that is how the disciples felt that morning when they woke up and Jesus wasn’t in the house. They were probably planning on another day of walking with people and learning from Jesus as he interacted with them. A crowd had begun to gather in hopes of finding Jesus and asking him to help. Before long, it seemed everyone was looking for Jesus.

But Jesus had taken a detour. He knew that if you want to help others, you must first be equipped and prepared with the help of the Father. He knew he needed time away to be with his Father. He needed to refresh and refocus. Jesus also knew that his mission extended beyond the local crowd, so he traveled throughout the region to the streets of other towns.

Have you taken time to be with God today, to be refreshed and refocused in his presence? Could he be pointing to a detour?