Favor Fridays with Tony: The Favor of Divine Detours – When the Long Way Was the Right Way

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
May 9
5 min read

Welcome to today’s Favor Fridays with Tony, where we pause to reflect on the quiet, powerful, and sometimes frustrating ways God guides us. Today’s theme is one many of us can relate to: The Favor of Divine Detours—when things didn’t go the way we wanted, but looking back, they went exactly the way we needed.

Life doesn’t always follow our script. We dream, we plan, we plot the course, and then—detour. Delay. Disruption. Denial. But what if the long way around wasn’t a setback, but a setup? What if the closed doors and wrong turns were actually divine protection, and the path you never would’ve chosen became the one that changed everything for the better?

This is the favor of the long way. This is how God writes miracles into misdirection. And more often than not, His detours are disguised as disappointments until we get far enough down the road to look back and see the blessings clearly.

Biblical Examples of Divine Detours

1. Joseph – From Pit to Prison to Palace (Genesis 37–50)

Joseph had a dream as a boy that he would be a leader. But before he ever saw a throne, he saw betrayal, slavery, and prison. At every turn, it looked like a detour—but God was working.

When Joseph finally stood before his brothers, years later, he didn’t say, “You ruined me.” He said, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

That’s the power of favor: It redeems detours into divine destiny. His story reminds us that nothing is wasted when God is in control—not even betrayal.

2. The Israelites – The 40-Year Delay (Exodus 13–Numbers 14)

The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land should’ve taken weeks. But disobedience and divine timing stretched it into 40 years. Still, God kept them fed, clothed, and protected in the wilderness.

Sometimes the delay isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. It was in the desert that they learned to trust God’s daily provision, received His laws, and discovered the importance of unity.

3. Paul – The Missionary Who Got Detoured (Acts 16:6–10)

Paul had a plan to preach in Asia. But the Holy Spirit blocked him. Instead, God sent him to Macedonia, where his ministry exploded. The detour led to revival.

Every “no” you hear may be leading to a “yes” that’s bigger than what you asked for. Detours are God's way of closing doors to lead us through the right ones.

4. Jesus – From Nazareth to Calvary

Even our Savior’s path wasn’t straight. He was born in a barn, raised in obscurity, misunderstood by his hometown, and crucified before he was crowned. And yet—every step was prophetic.

God’s greatest plan came through the longest, hardest, holiest detour in history. And His journey was not just about getting to the cross—it was about meeting people along the way who needed miracles, truth, and love.

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

You thought the job was yours. You thought the relationship would last. You thought the move would bring clarity. You thought healing would be quicker. You thought doors would open faster.

But they didn’t. And maybe that’s exactly where the favor is.

Because if you had gotten what you wanted, you might’ve missed what you needed. If you had gone your way, you might have ended up burned out, bitter, or broken in ways you couldn’t come back from.

God’s detours don’t deny your purpose—they deliver you to it.

Modern-Day Divine Detours

The woman who didn’t get into the grad school she wanted—but ended up starting a business that blessed her whole city.
The man whose engagement ended—but he met someone who prayed for him before they ever knew each other.
The job you lost that made room for the calling you had.
The diagnosis that slowed you down just enough to hear God’s voice again.
The move that didn’t happen—because God was anchoring you for something greater right where you are.

Detours aren’t always punishment. Sometimes they are proof that heaven is navigating. And in those moments of confusion, faith becomes our compass.

The Purpose in the Long Way Around

1. Detours Grow Your Discernment

You learn to listen. To notice the Spirit. To ask before acting. Favor trains your ear before it releases your feet. You begin to distinguish between good opportunities and God opportunities.

2. Detours Develop Your Character

Quick routes rarely build depth. The long way forces you to face yourself, forgive others, and learn patience. It stretches your faith muscles and prepares you to steward what God has for you.

3. Detours Reveal Divine Provision

God doesn’t just reroute you—He walks with you. Manna falls, doors open, strangers bless, and grace meets you every step. Along the long way, God shows He’s not just the God of the destination—He’s God of the journey.

4. Detours Elevate Your Testimony

You’ll have a story no one can argue with. A journey that makes no sense but brings God all the glory. Detours add depth, richness, and authenticity to your testimony. They become the message behind your mission.

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 16:9 (MSG)

“We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.”

Also consider: Isaiah 55:8-9 (MSG): “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.”

These verses reassure us that even when we don’t understand the route, God’s wisdom and love are shaping it perfectly.

Reflection Questions

What door closed that you now realize was divine protection?
Are you currently in a detour season?
What have you gained in the delay that you wouldn’t have gained if you had rushed?
Have you thanked God for what didn’t work out?
Are you open to the long way being the right way?
Who can you encourage today that the delay is not their denial?

Final Word

Detours don’t disqualify you. Delays don’t define you. Divine timing is not denial—it’s divine craftsmanship.

God is not in a hurry. He’s too loving to rush and too wise to be late.

So if you’re in a season where nothing looks like you planned—breathe. You may be on the exact road God designed.

Because favor doesn’t always look like acceleration. Sometimes, it looks like a slow, winding road……that leads you straight into your purpose.

Don’t be afraid to trust the God of detours. The long way may be the best way.

Closing Word

In S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, the journey never goes as expected—but the detours make the difference. Purpose is often found in the places our characters didn’t plan to go. Order your signed copy at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop and let every step of your story remind you: detours are part of the destiny.

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