Opposite Directions

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Acts 3:19

As some of you may know, I have been involved in an “interstate” relationship.  My girlfriend and I live 4 ½ hours apart on almost opposite ends of Pennsylvania.

For the past 9 months, we have gone back and forth first by car and now by bus on alternating weekends.  We normally see each other 2x a month, and sometimes more.  The hardest part of the weekend is always when we leave.  You see, when we are together, things flow smoothly.  No matter what we do—together, or with her kids, or mine—we have a wonderful time. 

It feels natural spending time together, moving in the same direction.  We enjoy working together on common goals and mutual interests.

All the more reason that when it’s time for one of us to leave and get on the bus, we get sad.  We tell each other we are in each other’s heart and look forward to the next time we see each other again.  We know that this is a “season” we are in and God is taking care of everything.

But the real reason it hurts is that we are going in opposite directions.  Putting that distance between us when we desire to be together and moving in the same direction.

That’s how it is with God and his children.  We are all his children and were designed to move in the same direction with our Lord and Creator.  Then sin came into the world and it became fractured and torn.  Only Jesus, through his death on the cross and resurrection, brought a way back to God.  And one day when He returns again, we will have restoration and come full circle as was intended in the beginning.

When we turn away from God and try to go on our own, we move in an opposite direction from his will.  We put that distance between Him when he desires a relationship with him, and moving in the same direction.

When we wait upon the Lord, listen for his voice, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, He makes our crooked paths straight.  He gives us peace and healing.  Opens doors no man can open.  It is not easy, but when we work on walking together with God in the same direction and in his time, we receive time of refreshing.

It does not matter who you are, or what you have done.  God is waiting with open arms and a Love so deep and wide, we cannot comprehend it.  So, turn to God, receive complete forgiveness of your sins, and enjoy the refreshing that only comes from God’s presence in your life.