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God Has A Better Plan
Just One More Look Behind, God?
, COMPEL Member
“Forget the former things; do not dwell
on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not
perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NI
I am
captivated by the biblical account of Lot and his God-ordained rescue from the
destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah found in Genesis 19.
As a
child, I was most interested in the behavior of Mrs. Lot and her rebellion
against God’s command to not look back.
By the
time I was about 10 years old, I decided that Mrs. Lot was clearly an
ungrateful, rebellious woman who probably deserved to be turned to salt.
From my
perspective, firmly situated in my summer-camp, family-holiday good life, I
judged Mrs. Lot for making the fatal error of looking back.
As I find
myself in a new season in life, grieving the loss of the familiar, I’m reminded
of this ancient woman’s rebellion and her long, last look at the life she was
leaving behind.
Now I get
it.
I get why
Mrs. Lot looked back: It was familiar — and despite Sodom and Gomorrah’s
spiritual darkness, I imagine there were pleasant things there, too.
Perhaps
you’ve been there, and can identify with Mrs. Lot?
Maybe
you’re facing an unwanted season of change, and you find yourself stuck between
where you’ve been and where you’re going.
It seems
overwhelming and devastating, and sometimes in the devastation we look back or
maybe even glorify what’s been lost.
We’re
drawn to reminisce and hash over the past in our minds and hearts. This seems
to be an age-old problem, so it’s by grand design that this important story is
included in Scripture.
We know
God is present-future focused, not present-past focused.
He calls us in the key verse — and throughout His Word — to focus on
Him, to let Him work in and through us: “Forget the former things; do
not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you
not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the
wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
God wants
us to allow Him to lead us out of things not meant for us, toward Him.
Sometimes
this is terrifying, and our human instinct is to let our thoughts rush back to
the familiar, but our present-future focused God wants our attention on Him.
Eyes up, heart open, moving forward in His plan.
God is
not surprised with your current situation, and He’s intimately invested in
every thought you have and every turn in the road you take.
When we
allow Him to heal us from the past, and we focus on Him and His great plan for
us, He makes a way for beauty, joy and new life to flow back in.
He’s
doing a new thing in you and me. Rest in the sturdy hands of our Father, listen
for His voice and trust His timing.
What lies
behind us pales in comparison to what He has in store.
Dear heavenly Father, thank You that You are a God who stands with me
right where I am. Thank You for being a present-future focused God and for
reminding me today that You call me to keep my eyes on You and trust the plans
You have for me.
Forgive me, Lord, for looking back at a life You’ve helped me leave
behind. I trust You, Jesus, and I believe in Your perfect plan for me.
Please help me remember to turn all my anxieties and fears over to You
and lean into Your Word and Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR
TODAY
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is
here!” (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11a, “‘For I
know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and
not to harm you.’” (NIV)
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REFLECT AND RESPOND
Are you in a season of grief or
uncertainty and find yourself longing for the familiar past? It is often in
these wilderness times that God speaks most clearly to us. Take a moment to
identify a special Scripture, and ask Him to settle your spirit as you wait for
His guidance in your life.
How would life feel differently
if you were able to keep your eyes firmly planted on God and His promises for
you? Share your ideas with us!
Know the Truth. Live the Truth. It Changes Everything.
Proverbs 31
Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that
seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs
31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women in the middle of
their busy days through free devotions, daily radio message, speaking events,
conferences, resources, online Bible studies, and training in the call to
write, speak and lead others. We are real women offering real-life solutions to
those striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and
cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her
spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who
understands the challenges she faces, walks by her side, encouraging her as she
walks toward the heart of God.
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