By: Juliet Constantine
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:-5-6)
Recently, while travelling on a familiar road, I decided to use a side road with less traffic. To my astonishment, I took the wrong turn. While the area was somewhat familiar, inner roads can be very tricky. Sometimes they appear to be a maze. For awhile I feared that I was lost. I did not know which way to take to get back to my intended route. I whispered a prayer for guidance and protection. While leading me out and back to safety, God spoke a lesson to my heart that I will always remember. He said, though you may be lost, you can control the exit.
That morning, after taking some wrong left turns, I was impressed to take a few right turns which led me to familiar territory. However, I still made another mistake (or so I thought at the time) by refusing to take a left turn. I didn’t realize I had passed the exit I was searching for. God continued to speak and I continued to listen. Unknown to me, God led me to another exit which turned out to be the better choice. It was traffic free! As I passed the original exit I should have taken, the traffic line extended a good quarter mile. I praised God for leading me out of this maze and into familiar territory. I thank God that He controlled the exit.
Now let me share some of what God spoke to my heart that morning. There are times in life when, for whatever reason, we sometimes take the wrong turn through our choices and the decision we make. It may be that the wrong route was taken to accomplish a dream, which along the way left you miserable and unhappy. You do not need to despair. You can control the exit. With God’s help, you can change the outcome of your situation. God can make something beautiful out of nothing. And He will do it for you, if you just ask.
The Bible is filled with examples of persons who took the wrong turn somewhere along life’s journey. There is Abraham when he lied that Sarah was his sister. He almost caused King Abimelech (the king of Gerar) to commit adultery. You have Samson who preferred strange women, one of whom later led to his destruction. Then there is: Jacob, who was a deceiver and a thief; David, who was an adulterer and murderer; Elijah was a coward; Isaiah had filthy lips; and Rahab was a prostitute. These all took wrong turns in their lives but eventually they asked God to control their exit. And He did. They are all listed on the Honor Roll of Faith. You can be listed too.
Did you step outside of God’s will for your life? Did you marry the wrong partner? It will be hard work, but God will help you to be happy in your marriage. Confess your wrong and ask Him to “control the exit”. Are you a playboy or a playgirl? Are you a murderer, or is it just your tongue? Are you a thief? Whatever you are, your life can be beautiful. God wants to control your exit on the journey of life. He wants to make something beautiful of your life. Will you allow Him to?
Oh my Father, sometimes we foolishly do things. We make decisions that cause us grief and untold regrets. We have made our lives miserable and sometimes it seems hopeless. We ask, even now, Your forgiveness and help in controlling our exits. You can make our lives beautiful in-spite-of where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Take full control now we pray, in Jesus' name.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
