Jeremiah 8:4-5 — “Thus says the LORD, ‘Do men fall and not get up again? Does one turn away and not repent?’ Why then has this people Jerusalem, turned away in continual apostasy?”

There are times when you find yourself headed in the wrong direction. It may be a bad decision or over-commitment that created your muddle. Or, maybe you misread your map and landed on a road you don’t recognize. Whatever the situation, the best option is to admit your mistake and redirect your course.

Before we even got married, your dad discovered my weak navigation skills. Before the days of Siri it was common for me to make a wrong turn and find myself far away from my planned destination.

One Saturday early in our dating relationship, Dad and I planned to attend a friend’s wedding. He jumped in the driver’s seat and handed me the handwritten map.

About 30 minutes into the trip he asked if we were near our exit. I glanced at the map and determined we still had more miles to go. A short time later he inquired again, but I reported the same.

After more dialogue we found ourselves no closer to our desired exit. So, Dad finally pulled over to look at the map himself. He quickly recognized our problem when he examined the drawing ... and then turned it 180 degrees.

Yes, I admit it! I had been holding the map upside down. We were miles past our exit, and the only thing to do was to retrace our route.

We all make mistakes, but it’s what we do with them that determines the final outcome. When we refuse to admit we’ve done wrong and continue in the same direction, things only get worse. But when we acknowledge our shortcomings, take responsibility, and turn around, we will be better off for it.

Sadly, the people of Jerusalem during Jeremiah’s time held fast to their sinful ways. Although they heard God’s message repeatedly, they chose not to repent. Instead they doggedly continued charting their own errant course.

This road took them far away from the Lord and closer to grave punishment. How much better things would have been if they had just turned around and repented.

There have been many times over the years when I had to admit sheepishly that I was lost or headed in the wrong direction. But I have learned the best option is to own up to my errors and turn around.

So, don’t be like the people of Jerusalem who ignored all the warning signals. If you have made an incorrect turn, admit your mistake. Readjust the map, turn the car around, and head back the other way. God is gracious and responds to repentance.

And He’ll be sure to get you to the correct destination.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com