U-Turns

Pastor Tony Evans

What did I learn from the book? When God created man, He gave us a will with a capacity to choose. We all have the freedom to make our own choices. And while that truth delights us, what many of us often forget is that with freedom comes responsibility. Yes, we have the freedom to choose for God or to choose against God. Yet while we have full ability to make our own choices in this life we’ve been given, we do not get to choose the consequences. Those have been predetermined by God. Just as God told Adam and Eve that if they chose to eat from the forbidden tree, they would die, God has consequences established with His rules that will play out if or when we choose against Him. The freedom we have to choose is not the freedom to determine the outcomes of those choices. This is critical for us to understand, because many times we find ourselves searching for a U-turn or reversing our decision or hoping God will deliver us, we forget that it was our choices that got us in a difficult circumstance to start with. We also forget to come before God with humility rather than entitlement. Yes, my God is a great God. No, he is not obligated to make everything good in my life. Romans 8:28 states that God will work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called to His purposes. It doesn’t say that all things will be, or will feel, good as they happen.

How will I use this book in the future? I start this question with a question of my own. Do you ever feel like you are crucified between two thieves: yesterday and tomorrow? I know I do continually. I am currently living some of the toughest times of my life due to decisions I made in the past. Consequently, I also worry what my future will look like. Where will I live. Or, what does my future career look like. But I remember what God says which is to remain present with Him right now. I tell myself to take one day at a time. Afterall, today is just my tomorrow I worried about yesterday. Take care of yourself and each other.