When my husband sensed God’s call to move our family to a city we’d never even visited, I agreed to go because I believed it was the right thing to do.
It didn’t take long for my emotional connections to my past to deeply trouble me. I thought about the loved ones I had left behind. Looking back with regrets kept me from taking the necessary steps to settle our family in our new home and community.
I recalled a warning that Jesus offered his followers: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:57–62 niv).
I wish I could say it didn’t take long to ascend from my deep disappointment. But it required time to defeat my negative habits and start seeking answers in God’s Word. In fact, I’m still tempted to look back at times. Now I remind myself to allow my emotional red flags to direct me back to the Lord.
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. (Phil. 3:12–14 The Message)
Red Flags
- Have you ever been tempted to look back? What did you do?
- Are you struggling with your faith today?
- Do you think your plans or dreams are realistic and actually achievable?
GraceTalk
- What scriptures have helped you get past a crisis of faith?
- What promises in God’s Word are you depending on right now?
Reflection
Can you think of some moments when you have struggled with your faith?
This excerpt taken from my eBook, RESTNotes. Be sure to get your FREE copy today!
