Weddings are obvious turning points. Graduations are another. Traumatic personal events are a third. For me, waking up is a major one! Turning points are, by definition, times in our lives when we realize that we are on a new course. We may have actually begun the new course hours, days, or even weeks and years ago, however until we realize the change we really haven’t experienced the turn.
Weddings are obvious examples of this. Yesterday two friends were married. What was the obvious turn was merely a signpost on a journey that began a new direction informally back in the winter, and unknown to everyone many months ago. Ed and Emma are two people in love, committed to the other and God, setting out on a life together. I know God’s blessing goes with them because it is evident that is was with them from the beginning of this new direction.
In my journey with God I find myself steering off course. Prevailing winds, selfish desires, and old habits are symptoms of my inability to give things up to God. The particulars of the day vary but the net result is the same. I look to self, I rely on self, and I try to satisfy self. Even I see the common theme in my actions! The amazing fact of each day is the new course that God will set in and through me. If I humble myself and pray he will set a new direction for me. God’s course fulfills and realizes every potential and ability that I have. God’s direction takes twists and turns that I never realized were possible, much less desirable! With God I find peace and happiness, ultimately the goal of every turning point!
Sometimes people question the motives of another. “Believe me, [my] friends, all I want for Israel [you] is what’s best for Israel [you]: salvation, nothing less. I want it with all my heart and pray to God for it all the time.” (Romans 10.1) There is nothing I could want more than this for you.
