Ever tried driving forward while looking in the rear-view mirror the entire time? It’s a disaster waiting to happen, right? Life works in a similar way. Moving forward requires us to let go of the past and focus on the journey ahead. This concept isn't new; it's rooted deeply in biblical teachings and illustrated vividly through the story of Lot's wife. Today, let's dive into this idea of leaving the past behind, learning from Lot's wife's mistake, and embracing the journey of stepping from glory to glory.
Lot’s Wife: A Lesson in Looking Back
Let's start with one of the most famous cautionary tales in the Bible – the story of Lot’s wife. This narrative is found in Genesis 19. Lot, his wife, and their daughters were living in Sodom, a city that had become so wicked that YAHVAH decided to destroy it. However, because of Abraham's plea, YAHVAH sent angels to rescue Lot and his family.
Genesis 19:17 (KJV) : "And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed."*
The instruction was clear: don't look back. Unfortunately, Lot's wife couldn't resist one last glance at her past life in Sodom.
Genesis 19:26 (KJV): "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."*
What a powerful image! Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt because she couldn’t let go of her past. Her story is a stark reminder that clinging to what’s behind us can halt our progress and even lead to our destruction.
The Grip of the Past
We all have a past. It's filled with memories, both good and bad, experiences that shaped us, and lessons learned. However, sometimes our past can become a weight that holds us back. Whether it's guilt, regret, nostalgia, or even past successes, these can prevent us from moving forward.
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, offers wise counsel on this matter.
Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV): "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of YHVH in YAHSHUA."
Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting what lies behind and pressing forward. It's not about disregarding our past entirely but rather not letting it dictate our future. Our eyes should be on the prize, the high calling of YAHVAH in Christ YAHSHUA.
Stepping from Glory to Glory
The Christian journey is often described as moving from "glory to glory." This phrase, derived from 2 Corinthians 3:18, speaks to the transformative journey of becoming more like Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV):"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
This transformation is a continuous process. We are constantly being refined, growing in our faith, and becoming more like YAHSHUA. However, this journey requires us to move forward, to embrace change, and to let go of the things that hold us back.
Think of it like climbing a mountain. Each step upward brings a new perspective, a new level of glory. But you can’t climb a mountain by looking at the base the whole time. You have to look up, move forward, and leave the base behind.
Practical Steps to Leave the Past Behind
Leaving the past behind isn't always easy, but it's necessary for growth. Here are some practical steps to help you let go and move forward:
1. Acknowledge Your Past:
Before you can let go of the past, you need to acknowledge it. Reflect on your experiences, understand how they've shaped you, and recognize any areas where you're still holding on.
2. Seek Forgiveness and Healing:
If your past is filled with regret or guilt, seek forgiveness. This might mean asking for forgiveness from others, or it might mean forgiving yourself. Remember, YAHSHUA’s grace is sufficient, and His forgiveness is available to all who ask.
1 John 1:9 (KJV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
3. Learn from Your Experiences
Every experience, whether good or bad, carries a lesson. Take the time to learn from your past. What did it teach you about yourself, others, or YAHVAH? Use these lessons to inform your future decisions.
4. Set New Goals
To move forward, you need a clear vision of where you're going. Set new goals that align with YAHVAH's purpose for your life. Write them down, pray over them, and take actionable steps toward achieving them.
5. Trust in YAHVAH's Plan
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) : "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Trust that YAHVAH has a plan for your life, and it’s a good one. When you let go of your past and trust in His plan, you open yourself up to the incredible future He has in store for you.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
Embracing the future means stepping into the unknown, which can be scary. However, it's also exciting because it means growth, new opportunities, and new blessings.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV) : "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."*
YAHVAH is always doing something new. When we focus too much on the past, we can miss the new things He is doing in our lives. It’s like holding on to old, worn-out shoes while YAHVAH is offering us a brand new pair that fits perfectly and is designed for the journey ahead.
The Importance of Faith and Trust
Moving forward requires faith and trust in YAHVAH. It's about believing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. Even when the future seems uncertain, we can find peace in knowing that YAHVAH is guiding our steps.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) advises: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."*
When we trust in YAHVAH and lean on His understanding rather than our own, we can confidently move forward, knowing that He will direct our paths.
Encouragement for the Journey
As we wrap up, let’s remember that the journey from glory to glory is not always a smooth one. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. However, each step forward is a step towards becoming more like Christ, and that is a journey worth taking.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV): "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto YAHSHUA the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of YAHVAH."
Let's lay aside every weight, every piece of our past that holds us back, and run with patience the race that is set before us. Let’s keep our eyes on YAHSHUA, the author and finisher of our faith, and trust that He will lead us from glory to glory.
Your past can’t go with you. Just like Lot’s wife, looking back can turn us into pillars of salt, frozen and unable to move forward. But by acknowledging our past, seeking forgiveness, learning from our experiences, setting new goals, and trusting in YAHVAH’s plan, we can embrace the journey ahead and step into the glorious future He has prepared for us.
So, let go of what’s behind and press on toward what lies ahead. Remember, YAHVAH is doing a new thing. Are you ready to step from glory to glory?
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