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Going My Way?

Proverbs 16:9

"The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

The general use of the word "repent" is to change our sinful ways and reform our habits. Literally, though, the word "repent" means "to turn around."

There are many times when God would have us turn from the direction we are going – not necessarily because we've always been going the wrong way, but sometimes because he simply has a new path for us to follow.

So, how does God get us redirected? His ways are limitless, but one of them is through reversals in our situation. In Genesis 37, we find Joseph waltzing merrily through life in Canaan as his father Jacob's pride and joy when suddenly, without any warning, he finds himself stripped of his colorful coat and taken as a slave to Egypt. A nasty reversal, to the human eye. But not in God's plan. God used the situation to put Joseph into a position to help save his family and thousands of others from famine.

For Peter, in Acts 10, God's repeated message in a dream redirects his thinking. He's told to reverse what he's been taught regarding associating with Jews, and begins evangelizing Gentiles.

It's pretty normal to respond to reversals with frustration, annoyance and anger. But if these are our only responses, we may be missing an opportunity to let God lead us in a new direction.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord; plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope."

Reversal in your life may simply be a consequence of living in a sinful, broken world – and an opportunity to remain faithful and to witness to others how God’s mercy and grace help you cope with a situation that would break others.

On the other hand, the reversal may be a tool to move you into a place where God wants you to be – for your own benefit or for the good of others.

An old song bears the refrain, "Turn around; look at me." Whatever the purpose of the reversal in your life, hear God inviting through it, "Turn around; look at Me. My plans are trustworthy, and I will walk with you. So… going my way?"

Heavenly Father, Your plans are most excellent. According to plan, You brought the world to being. According to plan, Your Son redeemed that world ripped away from You by sin. Help us to turn around when we are not going the direction You would have us go – and follow Your plan for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.