TURN AROUND

Therefore, to him that knoweth
to do good, and doeth it not,
to him it is sin.
James 4:17

In our eight years here, we've never had flood warnings. Folks who are regular visitors to our small town, “The Peaceful Side of the Smokys,” would be quite surprised if they were to see the flooding conditions here right now, especially affecting roads near the river. The river is rip roarin' and very high right now. However, our general area is also putting out flooding alerts to the point that some schools are going to close this morning. For a few days last week, rain had subsided but today again we have flood warnings because we are to get more rain today and tomorrow.

What is causing all of this? There are some basic factors that contribute to flooding. Of course, the major cause has to do with steady, consistent and unusual amounts of rainfall in a certain area over an extended period of time. Then there can be a problem of drainage because there's just so many places rain can go before overload sets in. Poor roads often washout with minor amounts of rain, but better roads in lower areas can also have a problem of drainage. Drivers often feel a flooded road isn't all that deep so they plow on through, sometimes finding themselves in the middle of disaster.

One amazing factor I saw on my computer warnings stated that even if a road has water on it that doesn't look deep, the road could have washed out under the water and you can't see the damage under the flooded area. Thus, such can create unforeseen problems for a car and it's passengers. The caution to all of us is the usual one that sounds trite, but a wise admonition...”Turn around, don't drown.” It's one of those warnings we have heard so much, it might be ignored.

On this dark, rainy morning with all the warnings I have read, I'm thinking of the times in my life I didn't heed the warnings from people concerning decisions I was about to make to my peril that wouldn't please God. I thought I knew better, the water on the road of life didn't seem all that risky and dangerous. In my mind, I felt I knew better, in fact, I KNEW I knew what was better for my own life at the time. Scripture is full of admonitions to flee sin of any kind. Fleeing doesn't mean to crawl, stroll away or do a slow walk....the word flee means to run as fast and far away from sin as you can. Most of the time that fleeing is first done in our minds ...getting away, forsaking...however we can get away from it as soon as possible. At times though, putting feet to our fleeing may be required. I have used that method often times.

The signs are often posted in front of us telling us to “Turn around...don't drown.” Sin can be a kind of water-filled sink hole where anyone dropped into it sinks. Walking near it didn't seem risky at the moment. It's like driving through that water covered road or bridge and then finding one's car floating away from anything safe. The warning signs were posted and media bulletins of warning spoke with urgency, but surely nothing unfortunate could happen to me or you. We learn of such happenings all the time.

Satan has a way of presenting us with flood conditions across some of our roads of life. He's so subtle...the “water” doesn't look that bad or even dangerous. We somehow feel we can't be tripped up...nothing vulnerable about us. Satan must get such enjoyment watching us in our states of pride and invincibility. He so enjoys tripping up God's people and it's all so unnecessary. What do we do?

First, we have to be aware and alert. Watch the news or any mystery program on TV and it's easy to see how a seemingly smart person can put their-self in such danger be they believer or unbeliever. Girls have been raped after meeting guys they didn't know in a club. Some folks make a habit of hitch-hiking...getting in a car with a total stranger. One can spend too much time with a married person of the opposite sex at work. When bored with ones church, trying another church more exciting, may lead to finding one trapped in a cult. The list of “bewares” could go on and on. Proverbs 4:23 tells in part to “Guard your heart...” don't allow Satan any freedom in ones life.

Secondly, read and obey the signs. We find those things in the Word of God, taught to us by the Holy Spirit. If we walk in the Spirit in close fellowship and obedience, we can be victorious in the big and little challenges of life. Galatians 5:16 assures us:

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye
shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

What if we plow on through the dangerous places of life and fail miserably. We find ourselves floundering in sin we never intended. God is so wonderfully full of mercy, love and forgiveness for His children. John tells us in his first epistle that we need to seek God in repentance, accepting God's forgiveness:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
I John 1:8

The only choice we have in pleasing our Father is to simply obey the warning signs He gives so lovingly and freely. He doesn't want us living in misery and defeat. Our job is to simply TURN AROUND (flee sin)...DONT DROWN (avoid sin's consequences)

Dear Father...thank You for the rain we need even in winter months to provide moisture on our lands. I pray for safety for folks today in our area who have to be out on the roads. Thank You for Your loving care and protection. Help us to stay close to You, Holy Spirit, obeying Your promptings we see in Your Word. I pray in Jesus' precious name. Amen