When I Misunderstood Where God Was Leading Me

This morning, during my quiet time with Jesus, I realized something I hadn’t seen before. Years ago, I misunderstood the signs God was giving me.

At the time, I felt like He was nudging me not to go back to the church I had been attending. But I took that to mean I shouldn’t go back to any church at all. Somehow, it didn’t cross my mind that maybe He was guiding me toward a different community, a new spiritual home.

Instead, I just assumed that all churches were pretty much the same. I didn’t do much research or ask for guidance—I simply stepped away.

Eventually, I found an online church, and then COVID happened, which kept me even more isolated. Looking back, I wonder—was it pride that stopped me from looking deeper, or just plain not knowing better? Maybe a little of both.

Now, I can see God’s patience. I can see how He waited for me to realize that not all churches are the same, and that He may have been leading me to a place more suited to where He was growing me.

It’s humbling to look back and see how my limited understanding affected my choices. But God, in His kindness, doesn’t stop leading us even when we take a detour.

Have you ever realized you misunderstood where God was leading you, only to see His grace still at work?