Don’t Turn Back
When it all seems too much, the lead character considers giving up.
Reference: But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? (Galatians 4:9 NIV)
Explore: The Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite movie series. It’s an epic tale of a seemingly average being, making a monumental journey in order to save the world from evil.
Without giving anything away, the journey takes many twists and turns, bringing all involved into grave danger. At one point, when it all seems too much, the lead character considers giving up.
With immense danger still looming ahead it seems easier to turn around and go back from whence he came. Thankfully, he has wise friends around him and he continues on.
Application: To come into a close relationship with God can be quite the adventure. It is a journey we decide to take on, not knowing exactly what may lie ahead.
There can come a time when our faith gets placed under pressure and we look back lustfully. We think it would be easier to turn back and we start slipping into bad habits and negative thoughts.
That’s when we need wise Christian friends around us who can keep us on our journey. The past may seem appealing but it’s not the desired path.
The Apostle Paul could see the Galatians slipping back towards their past beliefs and he speaks up as a wise friend. We must heed his warning and stay true to follow Christ.
The past may seem easier but the journey towards God is the place we’re called to be.
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I glorify the past. Help me to focus on a future with You, no matter how treacherous the journey may seem. Amen.
How do you feel about the future of your faith?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.