GPS Message: Make a U-Turn
By Pastor Ben

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself”
                        (2 Timothy 2:13)

Imagine a complicated strip-mall parking lot on a Saturday afternoon. There are cars everywhere. The “to the highway” signs seem to point in different directions. To add to the chaos, your GPS keeps repeating the same message: “Make a U-turn whenever possible.”

Life can be a lot like that crowded, complicated parking lot. Temptations are everywhere — at home, at work, even at church! We turn away from God’s will, ways, and laws. Then, when we make  a self-chosen U-turn, trying to get back on the right route, we end up more confused than before.
That’s because the “U-turn” message isn’t exactly correct. It gives the impression that we do the turning, putting ourselves back on God’s path of righteousness. In reality, the Christ-follower’s prayer should be “You turn me, Holy Spirit.”

The prophet Elijah took his “you-turn-me” message to the Israelites at Mt. Carmel. He knew they had turned away from the one true God and were worshiping the idol-god Baal. Gathering all the prophets of Baal together, Elijah called on the living and active Lord, Yahweh, to show His presence and power while exposing Baal as counterfeit. Elijah prayed:

“Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back.”            (1 Kings 18:37)

Elijah knew the people weren’t going to turn back to God on their own. The same is true for us. When we rely on our own ways, our own wisdom, and our own “spirituality,” we end up going nowhere, lost, endlessly turning around in circles. The only thing that can stop the cycle of sin is the Holy Spirit working repentance in our hearts.
When you’re in a mess of sin and feeling disoriented, consider this:

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”                            (Romans 2:4)

God graciously gives us the gift of repentance. Just follow His way and gladly ask, “You-turn me, Lord God, to my ever-present Redeemer, Jesus!”

PRAYER STARTER:
Direct all of my ways, Lord, so that . . .