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Detours: The Unpredictable Path to Your Destiny

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God has a plan for your life.

More often than not, it’s a detour, one that can leave you feeling temporarily stalled and slowed down. Which nobody likes. But detours are necessary if any improvements are going to be made on the paths we travel. Or if any wreck is going to be cleaned up or a hazard avoided. Detours are designed for our own good, regardless of how we view or feel about them.

Detours are a good thing that often feels bad.

Tony knows a thing or two about detours, and one of the things he knows for certain is that God works through detours to bring about His blessing. To deliver you to the place He has created just for you. Yet what we often do is try as hard as we can to work our own way to the circumstances we believe are best for us.

Using examples from the life of Joseph, Tony will leave readers with answers to the following questions:

-How do you find the destiny God has designed for your life?
-How can you make the most of the detours God has planned for you?
-Is there a way to shorten a detour and speed up your progression in life?
-What is the purpose of a detour?

224 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 2016

145 people are currently reading
715 people want to read

About the author

Tony Evans

511 books513 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Colleen Foster.
125 reviews130 followers
October 31, 2020
This book is powerful. I have felt like my life was a bunch of detours. But uncertain to why this is. Reading this book has transformed my life. I see things differently and now I know why I had to go through what I went through. Detours can be hard but they are a learning lesson. I love how he uses Joseph story to really get you to understand detours and why things happen the way that they did. This is a great book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
42 reviews26 followers
January 29, 2018
If you are in the messy middle of a detour, I really do believe the book, Detours will infuse you with the encouragement and wisdom you’re in desperate need of.


In Detours by Tony Evans, Evans writes about the twists in turns in Joseph’s life and how they relate to your own detour-filled life. Evans does this in such an encouraging, yet truthful way by initially launching into the topic of the purpose behind detours.


This is such an important topic because far too often, we can be stuck in a trial or see someone else enduring their own series of detours and think, “Well, this is just a waste of time; why can’t I press the fast-forward button for myself or this person over here enduring this hardship?” Tony Evans has a beautifully put response for this:

“God is not going to bring your destiny to fruition until He knows you are able to handle it spiritually, emotionally, and physically. If you cannot handle it, you will lose it rather than use it for His glory.”

I’ve read Detours by Tony Evans two times now and have gotten new nuggets from the book each time. This second go-around, the chapter on “The Presence of Detours” really struck a cord with me because it’s where Evans both warns and encourages us to turn our eyes away from our situation and onto someone else to help.

As Evans mentions, detours will inherently make us turn inward. Peeling our eyes away from our trials is certainly a challenge, but it’s a challenge that God desires and one that Joseph himself took action with when he came to the aid of his two fellow prisoners. Read more hope-filled encouragement at: http://bit.ly/TonyEvansDetours

I received this book for free from B&H and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cindy.
136 reviews16 followers
March 7, 2017
In this book, Dr. Tony Evans helps us to examine detours in a different light. It's well-written and a great read.
We have all driven and suddenly come across a detour and we don't enjoy it. It takes us out of our way and delays our arrival to where we are going.
Detours in life can be the same way. Maybe you're detoured from going to college by an unexpected pregnancy. Maybe you're detoured from owning a home because of a lost job. But the thing is these detours can be a place of growth and blessing for us if we will allow them too.
Dr. Evans gives us the story of Joseph as a prime example of a man who faced many detours in his life. He shows us how Joseph allowed them to produce growth and they were a stepping stone to what God had planned for him to save the lives of many people.
Dr. Evans accomplishes what he set out to do in this book. To have me look at detours in my life as designed by God for my good and to remember that there is a purpose for it.
This is a great book and I recommend it to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Brian Eshleman.
847 reviews128 followers
November 8, 2017
No jaw-dropping insights in this broad exposition of Joseph's story from Genesis. Nevertheless, he does include a lot of good cross-references that hopefully can entice the reader into the habit of more regular, more independent Bible study.
69 reviews
April 16, 2017
This was a good read. Tony Evans talks about detours in life using the life of Joseph as a loose outline.
He made some great points. Most of his points were sound. His style was engaging. There were even a few laughs.

He was thoughtful in writing this book. I feel like he really tried to connect with the needs and issues of his readers. He did well with this. I felt like he understood detours pretty well, and it is clear that he understands the emotions people feel while on detours. I saw a lot of myself in this book.

However, for me, the book was not enough. It did shed some light on my situation, but it seemed to stop a couple of steps before the solution. Tony Evans made some good suggestions that will be helpful. I'm not sure they are all I need, but they will certainly help.

This book was helpful on the initial reading, but I think it may prove even more helpful over time. There were great insights that I will continue to ponder. There were things that I probably need to wrestle with. I'm so glad I got the paper version of this book. I did lots of highlighting and writing in the margins and that helped me to really interact with this book. And that's what you need to do: truly interact with this book.

Should you read it? Yes. It's an illuminating and well-written book. It could really help you if you feel like you're on a detour. It might not be all you need, but it will definitely help you along your way.
Profile Image for Kylie Bricker.
75 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
Gosh, such a powerful and encouraging read! And I loved reading through the story of Joseph. Closing the book with a totally new perspective on how to trust the Lord with the detours in life.
Profile Image for William DiGena.
78 reviews
January 12, 2022
It's good and it's encouraging. It does read like Evans is giving a speech tho which I had to get used to. I feel like the message would be strongest when orally delivered, which I think he actually does for each chapter, so there.
Profile Image for Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM).
817 reviews34 followers
February 17, 2017
If you've lived any time at all I can guarantee you've experienced a detour. Maybe it's been a short one or maybe it's gone on a long time. Sometimes they seem to come in succession. Some are painful, some are tedious and some may even be a pleasant diversion. Regardless every one of them are part of the journey towards our ultimate destiny.

In his own unique way Dr. Evans takes us on a journey through the life of Joseph. Along the way we experience Joseph's detours towards his destiny and apply each twist and turn to our own circumstances. I personally don't think I'll ever look at the life of Joseph in the same way. I'm a church girl so the story is almost overly familiar. This was a refreshing new look at God's sovereignty.

If you are experiencing a detour of your own you need this book. Detours can be depressing. And by nature they are quite unpredictable. But this book will remind you that there is purpose in everything. What is going on in your life isn't only about you. God uses every one of us to complete His plan in His way and in His timing.

If you enjoy the teaching ministry of Dr. Evans you will most certainly enjoy this book. It is written in his distinctive voice. I felt like I could actually hear him reading to me in my head. There is also a follow-up Bible study that would be nice for a small group.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Profile Image for Lee Button.
202 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2017
Detour. The word reminds you of time wasted. And fuel, if you are driving. Tony Evans explains how spiritual life detours may be time best spent. And energizing to your soul. The divine GPS finds detours when we don’t think they are necessary.
Evans defines the human condition. “There’s a plotnessness that exists in many lives today. Often we move from one scene, one circumstance, to the next without purpose. We wander from high school to college, from college to our first job. Then we’re just dying to have kids. Next we’re dying to get them out of the house. Then we’re dying to retire, only to find out that we’re just dying-never having known why we were alive in the first place.” A God-ordained destiny awaits but we miss it.
Joseph, the familiar patriarch of Israel, had a world-changing destiny he could not achieve without taking detours. Evans helps us understand why God brings detours into our life with episodes from Joseph’s life. It is remarkable how many similarities exist between this man of history and men of the present. “God knows the wisdom of detours and so He uses them frequently on our behalf, forcing us down a path that is ultimately wiser-although at the time it may not appear that way.”
The language is simple and the well-placed illustrations are germane. The illustrations deepen the meaning of the stories.
Each chapter title utilizes a ‘P’ word which often appears contrived.
The chapter on God’s providence clarifies that complicated issue.
The book will be of use to those who wonder how their current situation could be beneficial. And all who know someone who seems to be wandering aimlessly. “You rarely find someone alone on a detour.”
1 review3 followers
March 4, 2017
I am a huge fan of Dr. Tony Evans, so I fully expected to enjoy the book Detours. With his usual flair, Dr. Evans relates the story of Joseph beautifully to our personal journeys through life.

While reading Detours, I felt so sad for Joseph. Even though he persevered and ended up fulfilling the great calling God had for his life, you couldn't help but feel a little bad for him. The only thing he seemed guilty of was being a little naïve by believing that he could trust the people closest to him with his dream of future success. I'm sure he never thought for a moment it would lead to his sale into slavery.

But God... Dr. Evans did a great job of describing the necessity of Joseph's unfair and difficult journey. He noted that God used human hands to work on Joseph even if it meant that Joseph would be hurt in the process. This persecution was crucial to God preparing him to handle the power he planned to give him.

At first, I thought that Joseph prevailed because he ultimately became second in command to Pharaoh. But after reading Detours, I felt it was really God who prevailed. His work in refining Joseph was complete. When presented with the opportunity to get vengeance on his family, he showered them with love and kindness. His brothers learned their lesson too, when they refused to give over their youngest brother during Joseph's test. Persevering through life's difficult moments is secondary story to the true lesson of Detours -- God's love always wins!
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
711 reviews43 followers
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February 6, 2017
This book is so great about the Detours that God takes us on in life. I have the fortunate ability to be on a release team and got the book before release date. Bishop Evans talks about, the purpose, pain and proof of the detours that comes up in life. He takes us though the pre-destined plan of detours to save us from uncertained death or violence. Then he talks about at the end of the road being greatful for the detour we couldn't see when we embarked on the road. Be at Peace and stay patient it will all be revolved. Great novel such love and scriptures available. So very much needed in today's society.
Profile Image for Julie D..
585 reviews21 followers
February 25, 2017

This book is very timely for me. I've had a lot of detours in my life, especially in the past three years. If you're like me and have had detours in your life, this book is definitely for you!

Dr. Evans shares how God uses these detours are used by God to get us to the destiny He has for us. The sufferings we go through refine us to make us more usable to God. What would our lives be like if we lived with the knowledge of our purpose and destiny in mind?

Each chapter takes us through what detours are. The purpose and pain to the peace and path. He shows us what detours can do to us and how we should use them in our lives. It's our perspective of these detours that makes all the difference. Our faith in God and trust in Him is all important.

I love how easy this book is to read. The way Dr. Evans writes is easily understood and draws you in. This is a real page turner and there are so many wonderful quotes that I highlighted and even wrote down so I would remember them. They are all Biblical and so encouraging! The whole book is this way and I came away from this book very encouraged.

This book has been life changing for me. It has helped me to understand the detours in my life and how God is using them to perfect me and get me to my destiny. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by B & H/Lifeway Blogger program
Profile Image for Mark Drinnenberg.
Author 1 book6 followers
November 8, 2018
This is a very helpful book for understanding the detours in life that can make us feel we are being kept from our destinies. Evans uses the story of Joseph in Genesis to lay out principles of how God rarely leads a person from point A to point Z without first leading him to any number of other places, often in ways that confuse us and may cause us to doubt we will ever get to point Z. If you've ever experienced such confusion and/or doubt, you will likely find this book to be very helpful.

As is his style (and immense gift), Evans fills the book with illustrations to punctuate his points. He is one of the best at this, both in his preaching and his writing. The illustrations serve both to help the reader grasp what Evans is saying and to make for enjoyable reading. The book is an easy read that most believers will likely find helpful for their walks with the Lord.
Profile Image for Sandra Zaid.
57 reviews5 followers
January 9, 2019
Detours are not defined with consistency by the author. When you finish the book you hope that it’s conclusion will offer you a concrete sense of what detours are, but you are failed by the author.

Each chapter has a P title and the content of each chapter does not follow through that contrived and forcefully imposed title.

A lot of stories along the broadly used story of Joseph are randomly inserted the way a preacher on a stage insert them on a Sunday service. It does not work as effective literature.

The book is for the charismatically trained mind, my former mind. Its for the reader who, unlike me, is in pursuit of his/her destiny as defined by human standards. The Bible is clear about our destiny and detours. No need to keep searching.
Profile Image for Steve .
68 reviews
February 27, 2022
Dr. Evans uses a brief survey of the life of Joseph to show several patterns and features of how detours can be used by God for his purposes and our development. Basically, it’s a longer version of several sermons he preached on this with some additional material worth listening to. It did have weaknesses in selling success in some places. Also, there were a few places of overemphasis on trying harder in faith with moralistic values. This could easily be misapplied to more complex situations which, if at all providentially possible, need more attention and resources than only perseverance and trying harder in faith. Overall, I recommend it for starting to learn the patterns of development in detours and for food for thought.
Profile Image for Darrell.
305 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2020
Superb. Every word of this book is especially crafted to fit my situation. All of my questions are answered in the order in which I ask them.

Using the life of Joseph as a springboard, Tony talks us through the principles of waiting, forgiveness, and belonging as it applies directly to our lives. I have read this tale hundreds of times and have revisited it in many of books and other forms of media. And yet, Evans points out little subtle things that needs acknowledgement. I am very grateful that God has placed this book in my hands. I will be rereading this one in the very near future.
660 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2021
4.5 Stars. Evans writes an easy to read book based around the story of Joseph. The book is packed with wisdom in how to look at and live through the detours God designates for believers. My only bone to pick is just that while Joseph had his dreams to ponder and trust in God to fulfill, most of us have nothing approaching that. Evans just keeps assuring the reader of an implied fabulous destiny. I would’ve liked a little clearer statement that God’s plan for me is fabulous - but maybe not in man’s way of defining fabulous.
Profile Image for Angel7.
23 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2023
This book is amazing!!! God truly blessed me with this one. I was looking for a book that would help me make some sense of a 16-year period of intense trauma I endured a few years ago. I felt like this period in my life completely derailed me, because it drastically changed every aspect of my life. I had no idea what my purpose was anymore. Thanks to this book, I now know why this trauma happened to me and that I’m still on track with God’s purpose for my life. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is such a blessing and an eye opener!!
Profile Image for Dr. Kathy.
585 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2018
Detours: The Unpredictable Path to Your Destiny is one of those books that should be a must read for everyone who believes in God. Mainly through the Old Testament story of Joseph, Dr. Tony Evans relates the ins and outs of the road to your destiny. At a time in my Christian walk that I was focusing on the New Testament, Dr. Evans made the Old Testament relevant to the rocky road we call Life. I highly recommend this book for everyone no matter where you are on the road of life.
Profile Image for Aaron Barnett.
63 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2022
A really encouraging book all about the providence of God and how to view ones life and circumstances in light of it. Being along for the ride but also having the choices we make and the consequences that result, scripture teaches both… and ultimately it is up to us to trust God and walk by faith and not by sight. Easier said than done. Again, this book is encouraging for anyone endeavoring to walk the walk and not just the talk.
Profile Image for Greg.
13 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2017
Awesome Insight

I can't speak highly enough of this book. Pastor Evans insight into Gods hand in the life of Joseph and subsequently our own lives is eye opening in the wonders of God. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper look into why they fel that they are caught in a rut, or fel that God has abandoned them midstream in life .
Profile Image for Sherri Hayes.
99 reviews9 followers
October 13, 2017
I loved this book! I closed it with a new perspective on life’s detours. I will look for God in all of life”s unexpected detours. I will seek the lessons to be learned and I will trust in the guidance of my Father as the Holy Spirit leads my way. Dr. Evans is a master at using life stories to make a spiritual point. This book is full of simple truths that are powerful when held up to Scripture.
Profile Image for Brooke Fradd.
740 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2019
It almost feels unfair giving the book a 3 star, but that's how this read felt for me.

The information in the book is good, the writing just didn't click with me. It's possible that has more to do with where I am instead of the book itself.

The book was just okay for me, but worth giving a shot if the topic is one you are wrestling with.
7 reviews
January 18, 2021
Awesome read.

We have to keep seeking God no matter what is going on in our lives. Good, bad, indifferent or stagnant, He is always working. This book will give you that perspective and reassurance that no matter what you are facing now or in the future, He is always there. No matter which Detour you are on. Keep seeking Him!!!
Profile Image for Anna.
62 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2022
One of my new all time favourites. This book is so powerful and encouraged me in so many different ways! Loved every page of it and propably highlighted almost every sentence ;) Will keep this one close to my heart. “Difficult roads often lead to the most magnificent destinations.” He is faithful in every season!
Profile Image for Gresha Lewis.
10 reviews
July 4, 2023
I read this book and used the study guide in our bible study at church. Dr. Evans has a way of bringing out spiritual truths in everyday experiences. Detours can be frustrating and exhausting, especially when trying to reach our destination on time. Dr. Evans tells us how and why detours help us in our Christian walk.
Profile Image for Steve Erb.
7 reviews
May 20, 2017
Excellent Read for those that are searching for God's direction or wondering where God is in your circumstance. God has a plan for each of us, and Dr. Evans does a wonderful job paralleling the story of Joseph and how God used Detours in his life.
2 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2018
A Great Book

This book was recommended by my pastor. I really enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it to others. Although, the kindle version was a little buggy during the last half when turning pages and highlighting. Hopefully they will fix this.
27 reviews
May 29, 2020
Something to think about.

Dr. Evans explained what detours are in the life of the Christian and how to make the most of them to get to where God ultimately wants you to go. This book presents lots of material to really make you do a lot of soul searching...
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