God Provides A Way Out

Lot's wife will forever be infamous as the woman who disobeyed God and turned into a pillar of salt.

After witnessing burning sulfur fall from the sky and hearing the angels say, "Flee for your Lives! Don't look back! (Genesis 19:17, NIV), one would think that she would be too terrified to turn around. God provided a way out, but for reasons unbeknownst to us, she made the fateful choice to look back and paid the ultimate price.

If only she had chosen obedience. Who knows what new thing God would have brought forth in her life?

Now, before judging Lot's wife too harshly, let's ask ourselves how often we had looked back when God led us out of our wasteland. Maybe your wilderness was a sin God delivered you from or a toxic relationship God removed from your life, but you couldn't resist that lingering temptation to look back one more time. Often, it is that last look that results in the most painful consequences.

Like Lot's wife, if we choose to focus on the past, we too can become an immobile pillar of salt. Our immobility blocks us from acting on God's call for our life. Looking through our human lens, we may believe the past was the best we could get, but our best is not God's best or even close. The Lord had a better plan for Lot's wife, if only she had received it, and He has a better plan for us, too.

Remember these three valuable lessons from Lot's wife the next time you are in danger of turning into a pillar of salt.

1) Heed God's Warning
God warns us to let go of what doesn't serve His purpose for us, but we have to trust and obey.

2) Open Your Eyes to God-Given Opportunities
When God brings you out of a situation, He will not leave you stranded. Accept the opportunities He offers.

3) Accept God's Way Out
To arrive at the exit in the wilderness, take God's hand to lead you out and keep your eyes focused on the road ahead.