Turning Back Isn’t God’s Best

Has God ever guided you someplace, but then you looked back and second-guessed your course? If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, this is what happened to Lot’s wife in the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and her choice cost her her life. Having listened patiently to the painful cries of injustice rising to Him from these cities that embraced perversion and shamelessly killed women and children, God finally had enough. He went so far as to see it for Himself, and once He had, He just couldn’t turn His back on their wicked ways anymore. However, since Lot and his family lived righteously, He honored His word and agreed to save them. He provided supernatural messengers to take their hands and guide them away from the coming wrath, and He listened to Lot’s cry to spare the city of Zoar so they would have a place to live. Nevertheless, despite the Lord’s grace and faithfulness to her family, it seems that Mrs. Lot just couldn’t leave the past behind. Though we often envision her looking back and turning into a pillar of salt after narrowly escaping the fire, many scholars believe that she actually “jumped ship” before she’d even left the city. Maybe she didn’t think that her hometown would really be destroyed, or perhaps there was someone or something there that she just couldn’t bear to part with. Whatever the case, her choice caused her to abandon her husband and children and to stay behind for a selfish reason. In fact, this is precisely why she endured such harsh consequences. The Lord beckoned her to move forward — with her most precious treasures by her side — and she wrongly believed that familiar surroundings were more important. She didn’t trust the goodness of God in leading her ahead, and she paid a high price.

My friend, your Savior invariably has your best interest in mind! He is a caring and faithful Father, and He wants to keep you safe from sin’s sinister destruction. He is good, and He only does good, so when He leads you away from something, He always leads you to something better. Though it can be difficult to lay down that which He asks you to surrender, He bids you focus on what lies ahead and give thanks for those who are with you on the journey. When you’re surrounded by family, friends, and other members of your “Jesus-tribe,” there’s no terrain you can’t weather to get to His best for your future!