"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." – Matthew 2:12

If you have lived long enough and well enough, you’ve had some course corrections along the way. That is normal and good. It demonstrates an ability to be decisive in taking action while remaining sensitive to the still small voice of God.

The Magi had a set of directions in place that they meant to follow. As they laid their heads on their pillows that night, they fully believed that their course was set and that they would be heading back to Jerusalem to report their findings to Herod.

They just “knew” he would be as excited about the new King as they were. Not so.

If one man has a dream, he might discount it as indigestion or uncertainty. If several have the same dream,, as implied here it is impossible to deny the confirmation. The next morning they all awoke and compared notes. It was time for a course correction.

Being willing and able to hear voice of God in the midst of our determined movement is a necessary component of a God-directed life. The humility to admit that we have been misinformed, misdirected, or mistaken is a strength that can only be birthed by weakness. It is that same weakness through which God’s strength is made manifest as we learn to trust and obey.

Sometimes we just need to go home a different way than the one we planned. When that time comes, may we not be found stubborn and prideful, but steadfast yet pliable. We may have to eat our words and swallow some tears, but we will avoid some major pitfalls.

Let us be ready for the course corrections of life.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash