Stuck In ReverseSample

God Will Change Your Direction

Most of us know what it feels like to be lost while driving in an unfamiliar city or neighborhood. One moment we’re traveling along without any problem; the next, we’re headed off course. The reality can’t be denied—we’ve taken a wrong turn and are moving in the opposite direction of where we need to be. If we continue, we’ll venture even further away from our final destination. At this point, we have to stop, double-check our map, and figure out how to turn around and get going in the right direction.

We can have the same experience as we travel the road of life. If you feel as though you’re lost or have been traveling for some time in reverse, I want to assure you God can change your direction. However, you must be willing to listen for His voice and obey His call. No matter how difficult the challenge may seem or how dark your sin appears, God loves you and wants to guide you to a place of hope and restoration.

At one of the toughest junctures of his life, the apostle Paul wrote, “I do not regard myself as having laid hold of [God’s goal] yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

Paul’s heart wasn’t set on worldly passions or pleasing a group of people. It was set on living for Jesus Christ. He wanted to know the Savior, and he continually resisted the pull of this world and its many snares, which were set to spiritually bind and cripple him.

There are many people who’re emotionally, mentally, and physically stuck because they’ve believed Satan’s age-old lie that says we don’t need God. When you find yourself doubting the goodness and faithfulness of God and realize you’ve taken a wrong turn in life, you need to ...

1. Stop and pray. God knows exactly where you are and what it will take to lead you home. He’s not embarrassed by your sin or shortcomings, and He openly proclaims His love for you. 

2. Ask Him to forgive you. God will never give up on you. He has many plans and desires for your life, all of which are incredible and full of His hope for the future. One wrong decision or even a series of failures cannot diminish the bright future He has in store for you.

3.  Ask God to motivate you so that you’ll begin to move forward by following His road map instead of the selfish desires of your heart. The world may offer temporary happiness, but only God gives abundant joy that lasts an eternity.

People who realize they’re traveling in reverse usually respond in one of two ways: either they turn and walk toward the Lord, or they ignore His call and continue traveling in misery and sorrow. You don’t have to travel away from God any longer. Right now, you can turn and walk toward the One who loves you just the way you are. And the moment you acknowledge you’ve taken the wrong route and want your life to change, God promises to move mightily on your behalf (Isa. 30:18-19).