A Lesson in Letting Go

A Lesson In Letting Go

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“Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” (Luke 17:32-33)

Life is full of moments when God calls us to step forward, leaving behind the familiar to embrace His promises. However, the story of Lot’s wife in Genesis 19:15-26 offers a straightforward reminder of the dangers of disobedience, hesitation, and clinging to the past. When Jesus said, “Remember Lot’s wife,” He wasn’t merely pointing to a historical figure; He was issuing a warning relevant to every believer today.

The following are some powerful lessons from the life of Lot and his wife.

1. There is Danger in Lingering

Key Scripture: “But Lot hesitated and lingered.” (Genesis 19:16)

God’s angels urged Lot and his family to flee the sinful city of Sodom before its destruction. Yet, even with the urgency of the situation, Lot hesitated. Lingering reflects our human tendency to cling to what feels safe and familiar, even when God calls us to move forward.

Apostle Paul’s words in Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” so we can run with perseverance toward God’s purpose.

Q: What are you holding on to that’s keeping you from stepping into the fullness of God’s plans?

2. There is a Cost of Looking Back

Key Scripture: “But Lot’s wife looked back…and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

When God explicitly instructed Lot’s family not to look back, it wasn’t just a physical command; it was about the posture of their hearts. Lot’s wife’s backward glance revealed her attachment to what God was destroying. Her disobedience turned her into a monument of what happens when we refuse to fully trust God.

Apostle Paul’s declaration in Philippians 3:13-14 also challenges us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead” as we press on toward God’s calling.

Q: Are you tempted to revisit old sins, hurts, or comforts instead of embracing God’s future for you?

3. Do Not Take God’s Mercy for Granted

Quote: “It’s possible to get to the edge of deliverance and still miss it.” ~ Jackie Hill Perry

God’s mercy spared Lot’s family, yet Lot’s wife squandered that mercy. She was delivered from destruction but failed to obey fully, forfeiting her life. When we take God’s grace lightly, we risk losing the blessings He’s prepared for us.

We must not mistake God’s patience for permission to delay obedience. Every moment of mercy is an opportunity to move closer to God’s purpose. Don’t let hesitation or complacency rob you of the life God offers.

4. The Call to Full Commitment

Key Scripture: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Following Jesus requires undivided devotion. A heart divided between the past and the future cannot fully embrace God’s kingdom. Lot’s wife’s divided heart serves as a sobering reminder that partial obedience is still disobedience.

As Hebrews 12:2 urges, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, trusting Him to lead us forward into His promises.

Let her life be a cutting example of what happens when we cling to the past instead of trusting God’s plan. Jesus’ warning to “Remember Lot’s wife” challenges us to examine our hearts. Are you lingering in sin? Looking back at old comforts? Taking God’s mercy for granted? Or are you fully committed to moving forward in faith?

God’s promises lie ahead, not behind. I charge you to step boldly into His calling, leaving behind anything that entangles us or pulls you away from His will.

Call to Action

1. Reflect on areas in your life where you are lingering or looking back.

2. Surrender those areas to God in prayer, trusting Him with your future.

3. Commit to embracing God’s purpose with unwavering faith and obedience.

Prayer

Father thank You for Your mercy that calls me out of sin and into new life. Help me to resist the temptation to linger in the past or look back at what You’ve called us to leave behind. Strengthen our faith and give me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. May I fix my eyes on your son Jesus and trust Your plans for our future. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.