God calls us forward.

That’s not always easy to remember when the voices of the world and our spiritual adversary are clamoring for us to look back.

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend who was tempted to pick up the pieces of a broken relationship and try to make it work.

During the conversation, she began to realize that the relationship hadn’t been rooted in God to begin with and that all of the work to make it flourish had been on her part.

She had invested time and energy into this relationship only to have it crumble before her eyes. Now, she was left with the crucial decision of moving forward or hanging on to the past.

We all face those forks in the road, don’t we? We all come to junctures in our faith journey where we must choose to move ahead with God or hold on to what feels familiar (even if the familiar has been unhealthy).

A classic example is Lot’s wife.

Lot and his family had made a comfortable life in Sodom. Genesis 19 details the story of God’s intention to destroy the city Lot called home (as well as Lot’s reluctant reaction to this news).

In a divine act of compassion and grace, two angels escort Lot and his family from the city and give them a warning.

“Run for your lives. Don’t look back. . . “ (Genesis 19:17 CSB)

But Lot’s wife made a decision that proved irreversible.

“. . . Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.” (vs. 26)

How could Lot’s wife have made such an unfortunate choice?

While we may not suffer the same consequences she did, many of us can probably relate to the tension she felt.

The temptation to firmly fixate on what’s familiar when God is calling us forward is very real.

Human nature beckons us to settle for what’s known, comfortable, and easy. Moving forward requires courage and faith as we step into the unknown, venture outside of our comfort zones, and position ourselves to learn something new.

Whether it’s taking a new job, moving to another city, or stepping into a new relationship, following God’s prompting as He moves us forward requires faith.

Faith to trust that our Heavenly Father knows what’s best.

Faith to believe that He cares deeply for us and wants what’s best.

Faith to know that He will, ultimately, give us the best.

“Wise people walk the road that leads upward to life . . .” (Proverbs 15:24 GNT)

Where might God be calling you forward today?

Until next time, Grace and Glory!