God Allows U-Turns

Worship Wednesday has rolled around again, and as always, Sista Cala has been faithful to send us another great message. Thanks sis, I needed this today.



One night while on my way to work, I saw a detour sign pointing toward a ravine instead of a road. I passed it by, then thought of what could happen to motorists who were unfamiliar with the area. There was no traffic at the time, so I backed up, got out of my truck and inspected the sign. As I had suspected, the sign had only one screw instead of two. Without the second fastener the sign had spun 180 degrees around the one. The arrow was pointing in the opposite direction from what was intended.

The sign did not belong to me. I had not placed it there and was unauthorized to remove it. My options: ignore the problem and hope for the best, call the Department of Transportation, or find a screw and fix it myself. The risk of danger was too great to ignore the problem. Reaching a live person at the DOT was doubtful at 10:20pm. So I began the search for a way to patch the sign and make it point in the intended direction.

I am a fix-it type person, so I have all sorts of tools, gadgets, and supplies in my truck. The solution was simple; find a bolt with a matching nut and repair the sign. One thing though, the bolt would have to be small enough to go in the hole but large enough not to pull through it. Fortunately I had one the right size. With screwdriver and pliers in hand, the job was done in a snap. My mind was at rest now, I had done the right thing.

How many times do we see people that are traveling the wrong way? Instead of going along the pathway of holiness they have followed the treacherous highway of sin. They are miserable,discontent, and headed towards Hell. They may eventually make a turn in the right direction provided they can see a sign in good condition pointing in the right direction. Or what about our brothers and sisters in the Lord? Sometimes they veer from the main road and need some assistance.

We are all signs to those we meet in passing. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves in good condition and pointing in the right direction. As members of the body of Christ it is important for us to take the initiative to repair broken signs. Unlike the DOT, God can be reached any time from anywhere. We must pray for our fellow Christian signs as well as for the lost travelers. Rather than pointing out the weaknesses of our fellow signs, we should use our God-given tools and supplies to help mend them.

Doing the right thing will bring more than satisfaction. It will also bring rejoicing and rewards. The following scriptures are but a sampling of those that pertain to showing the Way.

19Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19,20


7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7


1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Prov. 11:30


16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

One message our sign should always convey to others is the one of forgiveness. That's why I like the picture I used for this post.