Do Not Look Back

“But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

There is common false teaching regarding why Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt. It was not because she beheld the presence of God. Disobedience to God and the desire for her former life caused her to suffer the consequences of sin–the wages of sin is death.

Unfortunately, many believers desire their former life when experiencing severe trials, sorrows, and hardships. God has blessed us with free will. He is not intrusive and will accept our rejection of Him. Think about trying to force a child to eat broccoli. They do not care whether or not the vegetable is healthy for their bodies. The pungent taste and smell of the green crowns repel them from eating the veggie.

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.”(Isaiah 43:18). How many have lost out on God’s perfect plans for their lives because of disdain for suffering and disobedience for following their desires? Satan presents their past as a light in a dark tunnel. Or he convinces humanity that God places too much on us. Because they do not have a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ and lack knowledge of the Scriptures and the power of God, they eagerly retreat into the darkness of yesteryear to escape trials and tribulations.

God Reveals the Only Exception for Looking Back

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me…” (Isaiah 46:9)

The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with a subdued and grateful heart, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12). E.G. White

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for looking back and desiring certain aspects of our past sinful lives. We acknowledge that Your thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Please direct us and give us strength in our spiritual journey so we may completely trust You through the raging storms in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.