Don’t Look Back. Look Up
by Michael Tang
We have a destiny and God wants us to look to Him. He wants us to lean on Him. He wants us to fully put our trust and faith in Him. Only when we put our total faith and trust in Him will His plan and purpose for us come to past. But that’s one of the greatest struggles and mind-sets for us to overcome. In today’s world we have so much exposure to self-actualisation and self-sufficiency teaching in the market place and the business world. We’ve unconsciously allowed ourselves to internalise these concepts into our lives, without realising that these will affect our soul and spirit and the way we will respond to situations. The bible warned us to be mindful of such yeast.
In the Book of Genesis, Lot’s wife, having lived in Sodom and Gomorrah, was so taken up with the lifestyle in these cities that she couldn’t let go of it, despite being warned to get out and not look back. Her soul was so greatly attracted to it that she couldn’t resist turning to look back, while running from the cities. She was transformed into a pillar of salt.
The Israelites, when being led by Moses out of slavery from Egypt, kept murmuring and complaining about the pleasures they were missing. These cravings overshadowed what God was providing in the wilderness and the miracles He performed to get them out of slavery in Egypt. The result? A whole generation never reached the Promised Land.
The apostle Paul aptly reminded us, in Philippians 3, that, having started the journey God is taking us on, we must remain focussed, and follow Him. Our lives are a journey, and we haven’t yet arrived at our destination. He exhorts us not to look at what’s behind, but to press on ahead to win the prize. God has the best reward reserved for us in heaven. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s lay aside everything that hinders us, press on and run the race before us. Amen.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the word of life. Help us to be focussed on You and not look to the right nor the left. Help us not to be distracted by the conditions around us. Help us to shed everything that hinders us from reaching the destination which You’ve planned for us. Your word states that You won’t leave or forsake us. We thank You that we’re not alone in this. Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Holy Spirit, thank You that we have You as our guide and leader. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Michael Tang Michael and Linda Tang are Co-Centre Directors of Ellel Ministries Malaysia. Michael and Linda have two children, Tiffany and Leon. Michael is involved in teaching and prayer ministry at the Centre. Michael attends Glad Tidings Assembly of God, Petaling Jaya and is the Missions Director of the church. In addition to his work with Ellel Ministries, his primary focus is on Church Planting and Discipling Church Leaders in Southern India.
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