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The following comes from the devotional book “What Now?” by Ashley Akers. To learn more, go to www.whatnowdevo.com.
Repentance
I remember several years ago when I was driving on a highway with a median down the middle and I realized I needed to be on the other side. I was headed in the wrong direction. I decided to make a U-turn when the opportunity was available. I had my mother-in-law with me and she got a little nervous when I whipped the car around and pointed out the “no U-turn” sign that was posted. Seems like I wasn’t the only one who had taken this route!
This story reminds me of our lives and our need to make U-turns. Just like my mother-in-law was nervous when I made such a drastic move, culture also gets nervous when we declare we are headed in the wrong direction. See, culture tells us that the wrong way is just fine. As long as what we are doing is “fun” or “feels right” it’s “no big deal.” While our choices may seem like fun or no big deal at the time, if they are against God, the “fun” will fade quickly. The pleasures and promises of this world will never bring us the joy and fulfillment that Christ gives; but gaining what Jesus offers requires repentance. Repentance is taking ownership of your sin and turning away from it—like a U-turn. You must change your mind, agree with God and reroute your life.
2 Corinthians 7:10 says,
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Godly grief is experiencing sorrow for your sin, which leads to making that U-turn toward Christ for salvation. Worldly grief is feeling bad about sin because it caused negative effects, but you don’t go to Christ for forgiveness, which produces death. It would be like continuing to travel down a wrong road with no lights and your car runs out of gas. You have two choices: stay there in the dark or turn toward the street-lights in the distance. Which option would you choose?
Jesus said in Acts 26:17-18,
… I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins…
You have the choice of a U-turn in your life that leads to salvation. You can make that U-turn away from the power of darkness to the light of God and live eternally. You may be nervous to turn your life around due to what others may think or say. You’ve seen the “no U-turn” signs the world holds up. Perhaps the shame of your sin keeps you from turning to God and you are afraid that He won’t be happy with you because of your choices.
Jesus said in Luke 15:10,
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
God seeks you out of the darkness with no condemnation. Heaven rejoices when you turn to Him! God is gracious, willing and able to forgive you because of the sacrifice Jesus made. Your sins are paid for. Just make that U-turn. If you have already rerouted your life but have strayed, I encourage you to return. The Father’s arms are wide open—celebrating your return!
Reflection Questions
- What does repentance mean to you?
- Have you made the choice to turn to Christ for the forgiveness of your sin?
- Has shame kept you from turning to Christ? Why or why not?
Copyright © 2025 by Ashley Akers @ whatnowdevo.com. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org