When we do things in a conventional way, we know we are getting nowhere or sometimes impossible, so we try something new or innovative. Or perhaps we are taking a risky detour. Due to the pandemic crisis, my wife stopped teaching students face to face. She didn’t want for the sake of teaching to get infected with the virus or passed onto the students. Also she is observing the laws of social distancing. At the suggestion of my daughter, she set up the face-time program between two parties and began teaching. Initially she planned to try this out tentatively, some parents did not accept, but majority did. Even though it was a very tiring process, the results spoke for itself. All those participating did get good marks as usual.
Jesus also took a risky detour. While traveling from Judea to Galilee, He went out of His way to speak to a Samaritan, something unthinkable for a Jew. Worse, she was an adulterous woman avoided even by other Samaritans. Yet He ended up having a conversation that led to the salvation of many. (John 4:29-32) “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
The Bible reminds us to be always ready – to share the good news (2 Tim 4:2) “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.”
Consider taking a “risky detour.” Who knows, God may be giving you a divine opportunity to talk to someone about Him today!