Wrong Way—Turn Around

 

Capazin Thornton

 

The purpose of warnings is to keep us from harm. Naturally and spiritually, if we heed the warning signs, we will come out victorious.

Wrong Way—Turn Around

Going the wrong way through inadvertence

Despite warning signs: “Do Not Enter WRONG WAY,” at one time or another many of us have inadvertently entered a one-way street going against traffic. We are most fortunate when we quickly realize our mistake, avert a collision, and are able to turn around.

Going the wrong way because of second guessing

One time after a conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I rented a car and drove to Muskogee (about 50 miles). It was my intention to surprise my family. However, when I was within a few miles of Muskogee I realized I had no clue where I was going (no map, no GPS, no cell phone).

No problem. I simply asked the Lord to show me where to exit the freeway, and He did. But after driving up and down the street without seeing anyone, I turned around and went back to the freeway.

The Real Turn Around

I drove about a mile on the freeway when I heard a voice inside say, “I already told you where to exit.” So I made a U-turn and went back to the previous exit.

Happy Ending

This time when I drove down the street I saw some teenagers standing near a laundry mat. I rolled down the window and asked if anyone knew where such and such a street was. One young man asked, “Who are you looking for?”

When I told him my uncle’s name, he said my uncle’s church was about two blocks away. How cool was that? I drove to the church, connected with my uncle, and had a great day with his family and friends.

The lesson didn’t escape me. To stay on track, don’t second guess instructions you know are from the Lord.

Choosing to go the wrong way in spite of warnings

Some people willfully choose to ignore warnings. It’s like when an adult warns young people at an outdoor barbecue to “stay away from the grill.” Most kids stay away for fear of getting burned.

But there is always some little daredevil. When no one is looking, he takes a pointed stick and tries to make off with a wiener from the grill. Bless his anxious heart. He certainly wasn’t expecting to stumble and fall onto the grill and get burned by hot coals. Ask him now if the excruciating pain and horrible scars he’s left with were worth his choosing to go the wrong way in spite of warnings.

The key to a successful turnaround

Finally, I’m reminded of a sign I saw while riding along the Sunshine Coast in Australia: “WRONG WAY, GO BACK.”

When you realize you are going the wrong way, turn around.  Go back to the only One who can get you going in the right direction.

Seek the Lord. Repent. (This is a life-changing word that simply means to turn (around).) Turn from your way to God’s way. He loves you with an everlasting love and will give you His plan for your successful turnaround.

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Capazin Thornton is a Christian speaker, Bible teacher, and author in Orange County, California.