We just recently moved. Most would consider it to be a major move, although we are still living in the same state. It’s a journey to where the Lord was leading us.
In the Word of God, we learn that Lot and his family were living in the midst of Sodom. They were led by the Lord’s angels to make a major move, too, or they would have been destroyed with everyone living in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
“When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” (Genesis 19:17 — NLT, my emphasis added in bold.)
The Bible continues to inform us that “Lot reached the village just as the sun was rising over the horizon. Then the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur [brimstone] from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain, wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation. But Lot‘s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:23-26 — NLT, my emphasis added in bold.)
Many times in the past, I’ve looked back at my life, and wondered and questioned so much of it. I feel quite blessed that I am still alive!
Why do we dwell on the past? Does it do us any good in the present or for our future? Even if our past has taught us a lesson, we don’t need to look back anymore.
When I began to read the Bible, I realized that I really needed to stop thinking about all that had happened in my past. I needed to forgive others and move on. God was leading me in a new direction, a better direction, because now I was following Him.
God teaches us that the “renewing of your mind” is how we should live (see Romans 12:2).
To realize that the Lord does not want us to look back, is to see that He wants us to stay focused on Him and on the present. We are in the palm of God’s hand when we allow Him to be in control of our lives. We have free will, but our will can be His will when we choose to follow Him.
Don’t look back; you’re not going that way! Look in front of you! Look forward with hope.
Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.
God’s Word for Today: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11 — NIV) — [My emphasis in bold.]
Copyright © 2012 by Patricia Shehan
