You are where you are because you have followed a path. You’ve made a series of choices that have brought you to your current spot on life’s map, and the Bible lets us know that our default direction is always down the wrong path.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.Isaiah 53:6 ESV
There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death.Proverbs 14:12 NLT
We often wonder, how did I end up so unhealthy, so broke, so alone? Obviously there are times when circumstances are beyond our control, but often we have landed in our current situation because of the decisions we’ve made. So what do you do when you realize you’re on the wrong path?
Turn around.
The Bible word for turning around is repentance and to repent means to change the mind – to do a 180, forsaking our sin and trusting in Jesus. You have never traveled so far down the wrong path that God’s grace is unable to draw you into His will again! Your emotions may tell you otherwise, but if God was finished with you then you wouldn’t be reading this article right now.
So switch. The Bible makes it clear that too few people will heed this advice.
You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Matthew 7:13-14 NLT
Need help figuring out how to express repentance to God? Think through this prayer and speak from your own heart to God in similar fashion…
Dear God, I realize I’ve been living apart from you, following my own path. I’ve sinned and deserve to be separated from You forever because of it. But I also know that Jesus Christ died for me on the cross, paying the penalty of my sins, and I receive Him today as my Savior. I want to turn from my sin and follow You, Lord. I want to begin walking the right path today.
If you’ve prayed to repent of sin and receive Jesus just now, or if you have questions about this decision, please let me know!
Note: This series of articles is based on some truths I’ve learned while reading Andy Stanley’s book, The Principle of the Path, an excellent read! Originally posted at BrandonACox.com.
About Pastor Brandon
