And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. – Matthew 2:12

After I graduated from college, a friend arranged a job interview for me in Tulsa. She already had a job lined up for herself, so If I got a job there, we could be roommates. It seemed like a great plan. My destination was four to five hours away, via two-lane backroads. I had an old car (no heater and questionable tires), a map, and extra copies of my resume. Cell phones hadn’t been invented. It was early March, and a storm was predicted overnight. I was on a mission and trusted my flimsy travel plans. Later, I realized the foolishness of making such a trip alone.

As I think about the journey of the Wise Men, I can’t help but marvel at their courage. Theirs was a much larger task. They left behind their comfortable homes and lives to follow a star. They didn’t know exactly where they were going or how long the journey would last, but they had a mission to find the new King and honor him. We don’t know what they encountered along the way. Yet they persevered. Eventually they reached King Herod’s palace. Herod didn’t know about the new King. If they would only share His location on their return trip, Herod would be very pleased.

Herod was known to be a ruthless leader. It was not a good idea to go against his wishes. When they were warned in a dream to go home by another way, the Wise Men showed courage by following God’s direction rather than the orders of Herod. It was a dangerous choice, but their obedience to the divine guidance helped protect Christ from Herod’s wrath.

Sometimes God sends us a different way to protect us. Thankfully, God brought me home safely before the snow started that night. I didn’t get that job in Tulsa, but God had another idea. You see, my friend broke up with her boyfriend and didn’t move to Tulsa after all. God’s new plan led us both to Kansas City where she ended up introducing me to my husband, Russ. It was a much better plan.

Prayer: Gracious Father, give us the courage to listen and obey as you guide us through the journeys of this life. You work everything for Your good purpose.

Daily Reading: Matthew 14

– Contributed by Kay Hawk