Divine Detours
By Assistant Pastor Dr. Jaden Fitzpatrick | November 16, 2025
Lord, open our hearts. Mold these lips of clay. Give us unction to function—and all the glory to You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On November 16, 2025, Brother Jaden Fitzpatrick preaches a heartfelt message titled “Divine Detours” from Matthew 14:13–21—the feeding of the 5,000. Everyone knows the miracle, but few realize it happened because of an interruption. Jesus withdrew to a desert place to grieve John the Baptist’s death—yet thousands followed on foot. Instead of frustration, Jesus was “moved with compassion” and healed their sick. What looks like a roadblock may be God’s divine detour to display His power. With humor, stories, and passion, Brother Jaden drives home three truths: interruptions reveal compassion over convenience, expose our insufficiency, and become the stage for God’s surplus.
1. The Disturbance of the Moment (vv. 13–14)
Jesus heard of John’s beheading and “departed… into a desert place apart” for rest and reflection. The crowd interrupted His getaway—yet “Jesus… was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Interruptions reveal the heart. Jesus chose compassion over convenience. Brother Jaden testifies: a 30-minute visitation delay put them at a house just as a lady arrived home—she got saved. Many at Mission Baptist are here because of a divine interruption. “What disturbs your schedule may be designed by God.” Someone interrupts you because you’re the only one who can help them right then.
2. The Deficiency of the Means (vv. 15–17)
Evening came. Disciples panicked: “This is a desert place… send the multitude away.” Jesus replied, “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” Their response? “We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.” They focused on what they lacked. Interruptions expose our insufficiency and invite dependence. Jesus doesn’t ask what you don’t have—He asks what you’re willing to give. You may not have much, but give what you have. Little Evelyn reminded her daddy they’re not poor—they have a house, clothes, food. “We focus on what we don’t have instead of what we’re willing to give.” Your deficiency is the doorway for God to show His power. Little is much when God is in it.
3. The Divine Demonstration of the Miracle (vv. 18–21)
Jesus said, “Bring them hither to me.” He blessed, brake, and gave—5 loaves and 2 fishes fed 5,000 men (plus women and children) with 12 baskets left over. Penicillin and the microwave—two world-changing inventions—came from accidents and interruptions. When you surrender the little to Jesus, scarcity becomes surplus. Abraham was willing to give Isaac; the widow gave her two mites; Ornan offered his threshing floor (later the temple site). God just wants willingness. A discouraged brother tried ministries that failed—Brother Jaden told him, “God doesn’t always care if you pass or fail—He wants to know if you’ll try.” Little is much when God is in it.
“Labor not for wealth or fame—there’s a crown, and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name…
Little is much when God is in it!”
When plans are broken, God may be preparing to feed a multitude through your obedience. Next time life detours you, don’t gripe—look up with compassion and say, “Lord, what are You about to do?”