Luke 9:62 NIV
By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry
"Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
When Yesterday Competes with Eternity
My friend, very few people begin their journey with Jesus intending to turn back. No one says, "I will surrender my life to Christ today, only to return tomorrow to what He has set me free from."
Yet many believers find themselves looking back, not because they planned to, but because they underestimated the enemy's schemes
That is why 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) warns us:
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
My friends, we are called to remain spiritually alert and sober-minded so we can recognize the enemy's attempts to influence, distort, distract, and ultimately lead us away from God's will.
Not every voice that sounds spiritual is from God.
Not every path that feels familiar leads to life.
Not every open door has been opened by God.
That is why 1 John 4:1 (NIV) reminds us:
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..."
To develop that kind of discernment, our hearts must be deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. Just as healthy soil nourishes a tree, a heart rooted in Christ produces spiritual fruit and the strength to withstand deception.
Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV) says:
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith..."
Never forget this, my friend: Satan is not committed to one method. If temptation fails, he may use success. If success fails, he may use suffering. If suffering fails, he may even disguise deception as religion.
His goal is always the same, to draw your heart away from Jesus.
But God's call never changes:
Keep your eyes on Christ.
Do not long for what He delivered you from.
Do not trade eternal life for temporary comfort.
Do not look back when Jesus is leading you forward.
Ask yourself, is there anything in my past that still competes with my wholehearted devotion to Jesus?
The enemy wants your eyes on yesterday. Jesus calls your eyes toward eternity. Don't look back—keep following the One who set you free.
Who Is This Jesus? Ministry, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina.