Genesis 19:26 NIV
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."
Looking Back vs. Remembrance
My friend, have you ever asked yourself, What is the difference between looking back and remembering?
The difference matters because one strengthens our faith, while the other can pull our hearts away from God.
Throughout Scripture, God called His people to remember His faithfulness. The Israelites built memorials after crossing the Jordan River. Abraham built altars to honor God's promises. Jesus established Communion, saying, "Do this in remembrance of Me."
Remembrance points us to God's goodness.
Looking back longs for what God has already delivered us from.
I remember the bitterness and unforgiveness that once controlled my life. But I do not miss that person because Jesus set me free. Remembering His work fills my heart with gratitude.
One day, I caught myself saying, "You don't want the old Annaika." The Holy Spirit gently convicted me and asked, "Why would you want the old Annaika? What was so good about the life I rescued you from?"
That question changed my perspective.
Lot's wife looked back. The Israelites longed for Egypt. The rich young ruler could not let go of his possessions. Each allowed their hearts to remain attached to something behind them instead of trusting the God calling them forward.
Perhaps today the Holy Spirit is asking you the same question:
Where are you looking back?
Is it a relationship? A lifestyle? Success? Comfort? A past identity?
Remembrance says, "Look what God delivered me from."
Looking back says, "Maybe life without God wasn't so bad after all."
My friend, Jesus is not calling us to live with one foot in the Kingdom and one foot in the world. He is calling us to follow Him wholeheartedly. (Reference Scriptures Revelation 3:14-22).
Today, thank God for what He has brought you through, but don't long for what He has delivered you from.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on yesterday.
Who Is This Jesus? Ministry, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina.