The Point Of No Return

Where is the point of no return and what determines whether a person has reached it or not? To some, it is a sudden disaster; to others it involves a series of things occurring over a long period of time. Whether it is sudden or long-term, many would agree that it is a very difficult and trying time.

Consider the story of Jacob: He was a real trickster (a deceiver).

The scripture, which does not hide the shortcomings of the prophets, records for us how Jacob deceived his father, older brother and obtained the birthright. Esau, consumed with anger, purposed to kill his younger brother. Consequently, Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, called him in secret, and advised him to flee to his (maternal) uncle Laban, who lived in Haran. She advised him to stay there until his brother’s anger subsided. So, Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. On the trip to his uncle’s house, Jacob had time to reflect on what he would do next. He could not return to his homeland because his brother was in hot pursuit. Physically exhausted from his journey, Jacob stopped to rest for the night. As he slept, Jacob dreamed of a ladder with angels ascending and descending. In the dream, God blessed Jacob, promised to be with him and bring him back to his native land. While in Haran, Jacob wedded Laban’s two daughters and fathered many children (the ancestors of the tribes of Israel). As he left Haran to return to his native land, Jacob was made aware that his brother, Esau, was in pursuit. Being fully aware of what he had done to cause his brother’s fury, Jacob encountered a figure and wrestled with it until day was about to dawn. Aware that daylight was about to dawn, the figure told Jacob to let go, but Jacob refused. He informed the figure that he would not let go until he received a blessing. Consequently, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, one who struggles with, or, for God.

Paul, the apostle, and perhaps the greatest writer of the New Testament, found himself at the point of no return. Before his conversion, Paul (named Saul at the time) was considered by most Christians to be " Public Enemy Number One". Ordered by Caiphas, the High Priest, Saul (a well-educated, resolute man, seething with zeal) set out to destroy any Christian that crossed his path. On the road to Damascus, near a street called Straight, Paul’s life took a different turn. The blinding encounter he experienced, did not allow him to return to Caiphas. After his confrontation and conversion, Paul became Christ’s greatest representative and preached throughout the world. At the end of his ministry, Paul was executed by the same Roman authorities he

fought so hard to destroy.

Finding one’s self at a crossroad in life doesn’t just happen to individuals, groups of people can encounter this dilemma as well. The Israelites was a prime example. As you recall, the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians just prior to the Red Sea incident. What were they to do? They had been beaten by the whips of the slave drivers and were familiar with the weapons they carried. They must have known that their fighting talents were nothing compared to the Egyptians, and they were not match for that enormous army. The Israelites were backed against the Red Sea, mountains on both sides and Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit. Finding themselves at this crucial point, what could the Israelites do? Faced with this dilemma, they turned to God who had the answer.

The story of Jacob, Paul, and the Israelites are prime examples of individuals, or groups of people who found themselves at a crossroad. No matter what would happen to them in the coming days, they were all aware of one thing: none of them could return to their past. They faced a dilemma, which could not be resolved by physical means. Esau, his large army, the blinding light, the Red Sea, and Pharaoh’s army were forces only God could conquer.

After reading these stories, I challenge you to ask yourselves," Have I ever faced such a dilemma, or been at a crossroad in life?" Am I now, or have ever been at the point of no return?" If your answer is "No," you are blessed beyond measure. If you can identify with any of these individuals and find yourselves incapable of dealing with your situations, I can assure you that you are not alone. Thousands, if not millions of people are encountering problems and facing dilemmas in their lives. They have come to the crossroads of life and are unsure of which road to travel. Many have sought an answer through alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, suicide, and various other means.

Although many people have engaged in these unhealthy, and oftentimes, fatal, acts to deal with their problems, I have some comforting words for those of you who feel like they do. God desires to give you the best that life has to offer. He loves you unconditionally and longs to comfort you.

Like Jacob, Saul, and the Israelites, you will find on the other side of your situations, a loving and capable Father awaits the opportunity to deliver His own. For Jacob, he softens the heart of his angry brother, and made him a patriarch of his chosen people. Saul was transformed from a Persecutor to a Powerful Deliverer. The Israelites witnessed firsthand the end results of God’s wrath.

Whether you are being plagued with problems or in pursuit of an answer, you must turn to God who has the answers. The story of Jacob shows us how God can use bad things to bring about good. He sent His Son to die for our freedom from the perils of life. When you reach the point of no return in your life, turn to a loving God who Can and Will deliver you.

By Travestine J. Wright