Genesis 19:26 (NKJV) 26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
We recently wrote a devotional that spoke about the current events, and how important it is that we not get stuck looking back at the way things were.
In response to that devotional, we had a few people email us with questions, looking for clarification as to what we were referring to, or exactly what we meant.
We responded to the emails, but wanted to write a bit more today, to bring further clarity and understanding.
As we’ve also written about a lot in the past, it’s important that we not get stuck always looking back at past events, longing to go back to the way things were. It’s not what God intends for us.
As I like to say quite often, God created us with eyes in the front of our heads so we can look forward, not back.
Seasons change. In fact, change is the only real constant in life. Life is not static, even though we might sometimes think we would like it to be that way.
With changing seasons comes changes in our situations. Some of those changes are very big. They can send us reeling if we are not firmly grounded in God.
Even if we have a great walk with God, they can still knock the wind out of us sometimes.
This is why Jesus taught that it is important to learn to discern the spiritual seasons, not just the natural seasons.
Luke 12:56 (NKJV) 56 Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?
Knowing what’s happening, and what’s on the horizon, so to speak, will help keep us from being caught off guard and will help us spot our enemy when he is planning and strategizing.
And, just as importantly, when our walk with God is strong, we won’t spend our lives looking back over our shoulders, wishing we could go back to what was familiar and comfortable.
This is not a slam toward those who like to reminisce. Not at all. Having pleasant memories to enjoy is good. It means that we treasure what we have had in the past.
The key, though, is not to long to go back there, being ungrateful or unthankful for what God is doing right here, right now.
The Israelites were terribly guilty of this, as God led them through the wilderness toward the new land that He had promised them.
Despite the fact that He literally sheltered them from the hot sun by day with a cloud, lit the night up with fire, fed them and provided for their every need, they whined and cried that they just wanted to go back to Egypt. What a serious slap in God’s face that was.
This is why it’s critical that we press in to Him, listen for His heart and His spirit, to know what he is saying right now, in this season of change.
I know this has been a bit lengthy, but it is necessary in order to make sure that we understand the importance of moving with God, looking to Him for every answer that we need, and then stepping forward with Him as He leads us.
And as we do so, we need not ever look back. Ever.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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Greetings in Jesus’ name! 