RE:CALCULATING預覽

Day 5: Practical Steps to Getting Back on Course

Everyone makes mistakes—even the most seasoned Christians. It’s unwise to continue in the wrong direction out of embarrassment for making a mistake. Rather than waste more time, money, talent, and energy, simply acknowledge you’re off course and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern what you need to do to get back on track.

In this life, we will occasionally make mistakes because, as humans, we don’t always perceive things correctly. Once you realize you’re off track, repent for any ways you’ve deviated from God’s plan and return to what He initially told you to do. Don’t dwell in regret over your mistakes. If God has clarified the assignment you’ve received from Heaven, you’re free to start anew and adjust the way you’re carrying it out!

Sometimes getting back on track is too difficult to accomplish on your own. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to ask for help or let pride prevent you from reaching out to others who have the answers and resources you need to continue fulfilling God’s assignment for your life.

Receiving godly counsel is invaluable. Proverbs 20:18 states, “Evert purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war,” and Proverbs 24:6 advises, “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” The fact is, we all have blind spots. Just as when driving there are certain areas we can’t see, there are aspects on the road of life we need help to see. By being open and humble enough to seek input from others, many mishaps can be avoided. If you have the heart to receive help and wise advice, God will provide it to you.

We need to be honest with others. A significant part of healing and restoration is found in James 5:16, which instructs, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” The word “confess” in this verse comes from the Greek word exomologeo, meaning to speak out loud or divulge. When you make a mistake, it’s important to share it with a trusted friend or two.

According to this verse, healing is released when you verbalize your “faults.” In Greek, the word “faults” means to fall short or miss the mark. It describes someone who has veered off course. The Bible advises us to confess these things “one to another,” meaning to each other mutually. Why? So we can pray for one another and be “healed.” The word “healed” translates from the Greek word iaomai, signifying healing that develops over time. Essentially, if we confess our mistakes to those who love us, God will initiate the healing process and guide us back on track.

Another practical step to realigning is submitting to the counsel of those you trust. The Bible emphasizes the value and necessity of good, godly counsel. Pursuing and accepting wise counsel from others ensures our plans are firmly established, we’re kept safe, and we make it through this life toward the next where we will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. We all need healthy relationships; we aren’t meant to journey through this life alone. There will be times when we veer off course and end up in a predicament. It’s in these moments that we appreciate the blessing of having others in our lives. We need friends on our level and healthy, godly leaders to whom we submit.

After listening to the wise counsel God provides and getting back on track, aim to stay on the course and resist distractions. God doesn’t want us wandering aimlessly, distracted, or switching from one thing to another. Although there are many things we could pursue, He wants us to focus on what He has asked us to do. If we aren’t careful, a good deed could rob us of an opportunity to pursue what’s best for us. Periodically reviewing the steps from yesterday’s lesson helps us discern if we’re aligning with God’s discretion, and if not, helps us adjust our path.

Friend, it takes strength and courage to stay the course and do God’s will. However, the greatest source of strength, courage, and peace comes from knowing God is with you wherever you go. He will never leave you or forsake you (see Deuteronomy 31:8). He always has your best interests at heart, and if you trust in Him with all your heart instead of relying on your own understanding, He will guide your path.

If you’ve strayed off track, it’s time to confess and acknowledge your mistakes. God will aid you in realigning every time you surrender to Him and follow His guidance.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is your normal response once you realize you’ve messed up and gotten off track?
2. Do you tend to ignore, justify, or hide your actions? Or do you examine your motives, admit where you were wrong, and begin to work to make things right?