The Spiritual Power of Indirection: How God Grows Us Gently

Blog by Gem Fadling

On one of our recent walks, I shared with Alan that, in my current season of life, there isn’t a “this-leads-to-that” dynamic in my prayer life. Rather than seeing a direct connection between something I practice and an immediate result, it feels more like I’m routinely planting seeds and watering dirt.

Then, at some unexpected time, a sprout appears. I notice a new thought or behavior emerging. It’s something I had longed to grow within me, and it arrives with roots intact. Something new and alive takes shape in me that I cannot take credit for. It is clearly the grace of God at work.

At this point in our walk and talk, of course, Alan brought in a word that perfectly captures what I was describing. And he credits Dallas Willard with the term: indirection.

I love that word: indirection. It reminds me that transformation rarely happens by coming at something head-on. Instead, it’s about nurturing the space where something could grow.

A gardener plants, waters, fertilizes, and pulls weeds, and soon, in God’s time, a plant emerges. I don’t create the plant. I simply nurture the environment where one can grow within God’s design.

In the same way, some people assume that at Unhurried Living we’re trying to help others feel peaceful or calm all the time, as though peace is something we can manufacture. But peace isn’t a product of striving. I live in this world, in this culture, and I know that life is full of trial and tumult alongside its joys and triumphs.

Unhurried spiritual practices are simply the planting, watering, weeding, and fertilizing of the soul. Peace may emerge as a fruit, but it cannot be forced.

For example, presence practices help me stay rooted in the present moment. That moment may not always feel peaceful, but it always contains grace. And within that grace, I can grow in courage to face whatever is happening…with God.

Sometimes, when I slow down and come to presence, I notice lingering fear or anxiety. It’s uncomfortable, but when I engage God in that place, healing and transformation begin. Over time, that healing gives way to deeper peace because I’m no longer carrying unaddressed burdens.

Another image that complements this is the idea of displacement:

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6–7, MSG)

I love that word: displaces. Jesus doesn’t pull worry out of us. He graciously fills the space with himself until worry no longer fits. That’s a kind of indirection. Not coming at anxiety directly, but allowing something good to take its place.

Jesus offers a peace that is found nowhere else and I can learn, over time, to experience this peace in the midst of my circumstances.

And remember, all of this takes time. We don’t expect an oak tree to grow in a week. It’s good to grow accustomed to the truth that all good things take time and that our part is simply to consent to the process. Life can be difficult, and many dynamics swirl around us at any given time.

Living an unhurried life is key because it acknowledges that God has given us enough time for everything that truly matters. Your soul care matters. And as you tend the garden of your own soul, you’ll bring renewed presence and vitality to the relationships and responsibilities in your life.

So, let’s become acquainted with indirection. Go ahead and water, weed, and fertilize. And then enjoy the new life that emerges.

Reflection 

• How do you resonate with the idea of indirection? Do you notice that dynamic in your own life?
• What difference does it make for you that God is with you in all things?
• In what area of your life might you make space to water, weed, and nurture?