TURNING POINTS
Have you ever had a turning point in your life, something that really changed the way you think and live? Many of us can point to something that has impacted our life in one way or another but I mean a real turning point. It’s the kind of thing that causes you to say, “I will never be the same.”
Countries have them, like the attack on Pearl Harbor or seeing smoke billowing from the twin towers early that September morning. 
Most of us can recall where we were, what we were doing and the sense of shock we felt. These were turning points not just for our country but for the world. On a more positive note, I recall my wedding day, the birth of each of my sons and the joy and pride I felt. These events changed my life.
In the 32nd chapter of the book of Genesis there is a story about a man named Jacob who experienced his personal turning point. Jacob had spent most of his adult life on the run. He was running from his family, the lies that he told and the deception he lived out. But in this chapter we see him returning home. It would not be easy for him to face his brother from whom he had stolen so much. On his way he had an encounter, a wrestling match if you will, with the Lord. There was a sense in which he was wrestling with his past, his sin, and he knew that had to be resolved before he could go on. In the end he told the Lord that he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. He needed an assurance that things were right between him and the Lord. He needed forgiveness and grace. He had his turning point.
Are you wrestling with anything in your life? Perhaps it is past failures, weakness, or sin. You can have your turning point too. You can face life with continued guilt and pain or you can turn to God for forgiveness and grace. He will welcome you with open arms and give you strength to face whatever is ahead just as he did with Jacob. You will never be the same!
We are here to help.
Paul Baker
