There has been much debate about the road to heaven. Some people believe, and some do not. For me, it's as simple as John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I picture that point when a person believes and accepts Jesus as being placed on a highway, the highway to heaven, with Jesus leading you in the direction to go.

We all know that on any highway, there are many exits. Each exit entices you to veer off for food, bathrooms, hotels, entertainment, or fuel. Additionally, multiple billboards of advertisements will pull you in their direction. There comes the point on every trip when you must get off for the necessities.

How is this different from life? It is simple. You are on God's highway, but situations in your life will pull you off toward the exits. Some detours you need for growth in your life, but some will pull you in the wrong direction and make God seem very far away.

Which exits are worth taking?

Humility, life reflection, self-awareness, transparency, discernment, or re-direction are all exits worth taking. These exits are the time of refueling when the Holy Spirit speaks to you and gives you the direction that he wants you to hear and where he wants you to go. These are times of personal growth in Christ, and we know that moments like these can be decisive in shaping a life.

Which exits should you avoid?

These exits are the sins of the world that become traps to keep you away from God's highway and the plans He has for you. These are the exits of alcohol and drug abuse, money entrapment, sexual enticements, a decision to abort, and the confusion of gender, to name a few. You need to avoid anything that pulls you far off God's highway and takes you to where the devil wants you to go. John 10:10- "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." If you find yourself in any of these situations, know that God will redeem your problem for good! Seek him out for His plan, not yours.

How do you get back on God's highway?

Suppose you find yourself off on an exit that is the wrong place for you.

Stop going any further off track and turn around to navigate back to God's direction. He is there for you with open arms. Whatever situation you have gotten yourself into, He will welcome you in your current status and get you back on track to his highway. You have a story of redemption through Jesus, and he has a plan for you. Maybe there are friends you must leave behind, alcohol or drugs you must put down, or welcoming a new baby that wasn't on your schedule. Whatever the wrong exit you found yourself taking, you are not outside the reach of God's hand to bless you and bring you back to the highway he has for you. He knows your situation and will make a way when your plan isn't working.

Most Christians would agree that being on God's road is the sweet spot of life. He has so much in your future that only He knows. Regardless of the wrong exits, you've taken, get back on his road and after a long life, head for the front parking spot to heaven that he has waiting for you. Make sure not to let the wrong exits define you. Learn from your experience on those exits and know that God will use your situations for His purposes. When that exit is in your rear-view mirror, you will see His hand for good despite the wrong turns you have made. Move forward along His road and be in awe of His wisdom and the future He has planned for you.

Jeremiah 29:11- "I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans for hope and a future."

Don Moen - God Will Make A Way | Live Worship Sessions - YouTube