As I look forward to the coming year, it is hard not the look back and reflect, as well. Looking back can be good. We can remember wonderful times with our family, learn from mistakes, and rejoice in what God has done in and through us. But looking back can be dangerous, too.I read the account in Genesis 19 of God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the grace He showed to Lot and his family at the pleading of Abraham. Angels sent by the Lord literally had to seize Lot and his family, due to their reluctance to leave. Lot and his family were instructed to escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away."
But Lot's wife looked back. What was she looking at? Was she sad to leave all her "stuff?" Was she doubtful of what was going to happen? For whatever reason, her disobedience and looking back caused her to be turned into a pillar of salt.
The Lord really spoke to me through this story. We are called to leave much behind as we take up our crosses to follow Him. Sometimes we are even unaware at the sinful surroundings we have become accustomed to. We allow little things to creep in and influence us. God really challenged me to not look back, so as to not be tempted to cling to those things that He desires to save us from. What He has ahead is so much better!
Don't let Satan use the same old strongholds to bind you this year. Accept freedom and forgiveness in Christ and don't look back!
7 comments:
That is such a good reminder and so appropriate at this time of year.
AMEN, gal!
Great correlation, Kelly!
Great words...looking back at the past can be a harmful thing in our lives...looking forward and to the CROSS for freedom is what gives life :) Thanks for sharing what God is teaching you...
Have a blessed NEW year in Christ!
Liz
Wonderful words!
I can't wait to hear about your healthy lifestyle!
This is so true! Looking back is one tactic Satan uses to tie us down to the past, instead of moving ahead with the Lord. I will keep this in min the next time I am tempted to look back. Thanks!
I just read that passage yesterday and like you felt it speaking directly to me. I was for the longest time so deep in sin that I didn't even realize it. As I struggled to climb out of the pit of self destruction, I kept clinging to certain things that I refused to let go of. It wasn't until I let go totally that I felt free and saw the wrong in the way I was living. Great post.
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