Turn Ahead

I love when the Lord shows me something fresh in the Word. I am studying 1 Thessalonians right now, and I came across a part in v.9 that says, "...and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." I remember hearing a message in which this was referenced. I was struck with the truth.

I think too often we get repentance wrong. Have you ever struggled with something and could not figure out how to quit running to it? I know I have, and if you are honest with yourself, you probably have too. The struggle is consuming and frustrating. At the end of the day you feel like a failure and a horrible Christian. The wording in this verse is incredible because I think we get the equation wrong. We identify the "problem" or "thing" and we just "try really hard" to not go back to it. We label it and set boundaries, both of which are good and sometimes even necessary. We attempt to just turn "from" it rather than just turning "to something. The verse says "how you turned to God from idols." I am not suggesting that all issues will be solved, however when we turn to something, it is much easier to leave or forget the previous. I remember when I purchased my PS3. It was very easy to let go of the PS. The few times we have bought a new vehicle, we like to drive it rather than the old one.

As we walk our faith we will encounter resistance and traps from the enemy. Take heart, He has overcome them. Turning to Him is much better than trying on our own power.

I love the Words in the hymn penned by Helen H. Lemmel, " Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full on His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."