The Wrong Turn That Wasn’t. Psalm 37:23

Mike had never been late to a job in twelve years of plumbing. That morning, however, his GPS rerouted him down a side street he didn’t recognize. He grumbled under his breath. “This better not make me late.” The road was narrow, cracked, and surrounded by worn-down houses. Definitely not where he wanted to be. Still, he followed the blinking blue arrow out of habit.

Halfway down the street, he spotted an elderly man on a step ladder, struggling to clean his gutters. The ladder shook dangerously with each movement. Without thinking, Mike pulled over, got out, and called out, “Sir! That doesn’t look too safe!” The man froze, then looked down and chuckled. “It’s not. But I’m stubborn.”

Mike walked over and held the ladder steady while the man climbed down. They introduced themselves. His name was Walter. Widowed, living alone, and too proud to ask for help. “The leaves keep piling up,” he said. “My kids don’t visit much.” Mike glanced at his watch—he had ten minutes to spare. “I’ve got a ladder in my truck. Let me finish it for you.”

After clearing the gutters, Mike was offered coffee. They sat on Walter’s porch for a few minutes, just talking. Before Mike left, Walter asked, “What made you stop?” Mike shrugged and said, “Honestly? I thought I was lost.” Walter smiled and replied, “Maybe not as lost as you think.” That sentence stuck with Mike the rest of the day.

Later that night, he was reading through his devotional when he came across Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” He paused, remembering the strange detour. What if that wasn’t a wrong turn at all? What if God had sent him exactly where he was needed, right when he was needed most?

From then on, Mike began praying over his routes in the morning—not just to avoid traffic, but to be ready for divine appointments. He realized God wasn’t just in the church moments—He was in the jobs, the traffic, and even the detours. Especially the detours.

Walter and Mike kept in touch. Once a month, they met for coffee. Walter called him “the plumber who found me.” But Mike knew the truth—he didn’t find Walter. God ordered his steps. And now, every time something in his day doesn’t go as planned, Mike smiles and thinks, “Alright Lord, where are You sending me today?” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV):

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.