Embracing Forward Faith: Lessons from Lot's Wife
Summary
Today, we gathered to honor mothers and reflect on a powerful lesson from one of the most enigmatic women in Scripture—Lot’s wife. While the Bible is filled with notable women whose names and stories are well-known, Jesus Himself singles out Lot’s wife with a simple but weighty command: “Remember Lot’s wife.” Her story, though brief and shrouded in mystery, offers profound insight into the dangers of looking back with longing rather than moving forward in faith.
Lot’s wife lived in Sodom, a place that, despite its eventual destruction, was once her home—a place of comfort, memories, and family. When God’s messengers urged Lot and his family to leave, they hesitated, clinging to the familiarity of their past. Even after being physically delivered, Lot’s wife looked back, not just with a passing glance, but with a deep, longing attachment. The Hebrew word used implies she regarded her past with pleasure and care, unable to fully embrace the new season God was leading her into. As a result, she became a pillar of salt—preserved in the very moment of her divided heart.
From her story, we learn that God cannot deliver us from what we refuse to leave. Whether it’s a season of life, a relationship, or a comfort zone, clinging to the past can hinder God’s work in our present and future. Obedience to God requires forward faith—a willingness to trust Him with what’s ahead, even when change is difficult or forced upon us. It’s natural to remember and even cherish the past, but we must not let nostalgia keep us from embracing the new things God is doing.
Moreover, direction without devotion leads to destruction. Lot’s wife physically left Sodom, but her heart remained behind. True transformation requires not just outward movement, but an inward commitment to where God is leading us. If we fail to fully commit, we risk becoming emotionally stuck—like a pillar of salt—unable to experience the blessings of the new season.
Today, let’s examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we’re looking back, longing for what was, instead of moving forward with God? Let’s choose to let go, to commit fully to the season God has us in, and to trust Him with our past, present, and future. In doing so, we honor not only the lessons of Scripture but also the God who leads us from glory to glory.
Key Takeaways
- God Can’t Deliver Us from What We Won’t Leave
God’s deliverance often requires us to let go of places, seasons, or comforts that have become familiar. When we cling to the past, even if it was once a blessing, we hinder God’s ability to move us into the new things He has prepared. True freedom comes when we trust Him enough to leave behind what no longer serves His purpose in our lives. [52:19]
- Obedience Demands Forward Faith, Not Backward Glances
Moving with God means embracing change, even when it’s uncomfortable or unexpected. Nostalgia can be a trap if it keeps us from seeing and participating in what God is doing now. Forward faith is about cherishing memories without letting them anchor us to a season that has passed, so we can fully engage with God’s present work. [58:04]
- Direction Without Devotion Leads to Destruction
It’s possible to go through the motions of obedience without truly committing our hearts. Lot’s wife left Sodom physically but remained emotionally attached, which ultimately led to her downfall. Lasting transformation requires wholehearted devotion to God’s direction, not just external compliance. [01:04:57]
- Every Season Has Its Purpose—Don’t Let the Past Overshadow the Present
God blesses us with different seasons, each with its own joys and challenges. If we refuse to transition with God, what was once a blessing can become a source of bitterness or regret. Embracing the present and learning from the past allows us to move forward in gratitude and hope. [01:10:11]
- Letting Go Is an Act of Trust and Worship
Releasing the past is not about forgetting, but about trusting God with our story. When we let go of offenses, disappointments, or even cherished memories, we make room for God to do something new in us. This act of surrender is a form of worship, aligning our hearts with His purpose and presence. [01:15:16]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Honoring Mothers
[02:10] - Tithes, Offerings, and World Missions
[06:00] - Special Guests: Bishop Randall Drake and Michelle
[10:00] - Introduction to Today’s Reflection
[13:00] - Notable Women in Scripture
[16:00] - The Enigma of Lot’s Wife
[19:00] - Jesus’ Command: Remember Lot’s Wife
[22:00] - The Story of Sodom and Lot’s Family
[25:00] - The Meaning of “Looking Back”
[29:00] - Three Lessons from Lot’s Wife
[32:00] - God Can’t Deliver Us from What We Won’t Leave
[36:00] - Obedience and Forward Faith
[40:00] - Direction Without Devotion
[44:00] - Embracing the Present Season
[48:00] - Responding to God’s Call
[52:00] - Prayer and Commitment
[56:00] - Mother’s Day Gift Card Giveaway
[58:00] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Remember Lot’s Wife
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 17:28-32 (ESV)
> "Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife."
- Genesis 19:15-26 (ESV)
> (Read the story of Lot, his family’s escape from Sodom, and Lot’s wife looking back and becoming a pillar of salt.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 17:32, Jesus gives a simple command: “Remember Lot’s wife.” What is the context in which Jesus says this? What is He warning His listeners about? [43:52]
2. According to Genesis 19, what specific instructions did the angels give to Lot and his family as they were leaving Sodom? What did Lot’s wife do differently from the rest? [47:10]
3. The sermon mentions that the Hebrew word for “looked back” means to look intently, with pleasure or care. How does this deepen our understanding of Lot’s wife’s actions? [47:10]
4. What happened to Lot’s wife as a result of her looking back? What does the text say about her fate? [47:10]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus specifically told His followers to “remember Lot’s wife”? What lesson was He emphasizing for His disciples and for us today? [43:52]
2. The sermon says, “God can’t deliver us from what we won’t leave.” What are some reasons people might struggle to let go of the past, even when God is calling them forward? [52:19]
3. The pastor said, “Direction without devotion leads to destruction.” What does it look like to obey God outwardly but not be fully committed in your heart? How does this relate to Lot’s wife? [01:04:57]
4. The message talked about the danger of nostalgia—cherishing the past so much that it keeps us from embracing what God is doing now. How can remembering the past become a trap instead of a blessing? [58:04]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine our own hearts for areas where we might be “looking back” with longing instead of moving forward with God. Is there a specific area in your life—maybe a relationship, a season, or a comfort zone—where you feel stuck or hesitant to let go? What is holding you back? [52:19]
2. The pastor shared personal stories about struggling with change, especially as his children grow up and leave home. Have you experienced a season of life where you found it hard to move on? How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? [58:04]
3. “Obedience demands forward faith, not backward glances.” What is one practical step you can take this week to show forward faith in an area where you’re tempted to look back? [58:04]
4. The message said, “Direction without devotion leads to destruction.” Are there any areas where you are “going through the motions” of following God, but your heart isn’t fully in it? What would it look like to commit your heart as well as your actions? [01:04:57]
5. The sermon talked about how every season has its purpose, and that refusing to transition with God can turn a blessing into a source of bitterness. Is there a past blessing in your life that you now look back on with regret or longing? How can you reframe your perspective to embrace the present? [01:10:11]
6. “Letting go is an act of trust and worship.” Is there something—an offense, disappointment, or even a cherished memory—that you need to release to God? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week? [01:15:16]
7. The pastor invited people to pray and commit to the new season God has for them. Would you be willing to pray for God’s help to let go of the past and embrace what He is doing now? What specific words or prayers would you use? [01:15:16]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to let go of the past, for faith to move forward, and for hearts that are fully devoted to God’s direction in this season.
Devotional
Day 1: Remember Lot’s Wife—Longing for the Past Can Trap Us
Jesus calls us to “remember Lot’s wife” as a warning not to let our hearts remain in the past when God is leading us forward. Lot’s wife physically left Sodom, but her heart was still there, longing for what she had left behind. This longing caused her to look back with regret and desire, and as a result, she became a pillar of salt—preserved in a moment of disobedience and unable to move forward into the new season God had prepared. We are reminded that it’s not just about leaving a place or a season physically, but also about letting go emotionally and spiritually, so we don’t become stuck, unable to embrace what God is doing now. [47:10]
Luke 17:28-32 (ESV)
“Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife.”
Reflection: Is there a place, relationship, or season in your life that you keep longing for, even though God is calling you forward? What would it look like to truly let go and trust Him with your next step today?
Day 2: God Can’t Deliver You from What You Won’t Leave
God’s deliverance often requires us to leave behind what is familiar, even if it was once a place of comfort or blessing. Lot and his family lingered in Sodom, reluctant to leave the life they had built, even as God’s messengers urged them to escape. Sometimes, we too are so attached to the good memories or comfort of a past season that we resist God’s call to move on. When we refuse to walk away from what God is asking us to leave, we tie His hands and miss out on the new freedom and blessing He wants to bring. True deliverance comes when we are willing to obey and step out of the old, trusting God with the unknown ahead. [52:19]
Genesis 19:15-17, 23-26 (ESV)
“As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.’ But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. And as they brought them out, one said, ‘Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.’ … The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God is asking you to move on, but you’re still holding on? What practical step can you take today to begin letting go?
Day 3: Obedience Demands Forward Faith, Not Backward Glances
Moving into God’s new season for your life requires faith that looks forward, not backward. It’s natural to remember the good times or to feel nostalgia for what once was, but if we get stuck longing for the past, we risk missing the blessings and opportunities God has for us now. Forward faith means trusting that God’s plans for your future are good, even when change is hard or uncomfortable. Instead of being paralyzed by what you’re leaving behind, choose to step into the new with hope and expectation, believing that God is with you every step of the way. [58:04]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: Where do you find yourself looking back with longing instead of moving forward in faith? How can you shift your focus today to embrace the season God has you in?
Day 4: Direction Without Devotion Leads to Destruction
It’s possible to go through the motions of following God—making the right moves, changing locations, or entering new seasons—without truly committing your heart to Him. Lot’s wife left Sodom physically, but her devotion was still tied to her old life, and that lack of wholehearted commitment led to her downfall. God desires not just our outward obedience, but our inward devotion. When we move forward with God, we must do so with a heart that is grateful, surrendered, and fully invested in where He is leading us, or else we risk becoming stuck, unable to experience the fullness of His blessing. [01:04:57]
Psalm 86:11 (ESV)
“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
Reflection: Is there an area where you’re following God outwardly, but your heart isn’t fully in it? What would it look like to devote your whole heart to God’s direction today?
Day 5: Embrace the New Season—Let Go and Commit to God’s Purpose
Every season of life brings its own blessings and challenges, and God calls us to embrace the present rather than live in regret or longing for the past. If we refuse to transition with God, what was once a blessing can become a source of bitterness or disappointment. Instead, we are invited to learn from the past, forgive where needed, and fully commit to what God is doing now. By letting go of what was and embracing what is, we open ourselves to God’s purpose and become who He has called us to be. Today is the day to make that choice—to let go, to forgive, and to move forward with hope. [01:12:43]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can embrace the season God has you in right now, letting go of regret or longing for the past, and committing to His purpose for your life?
Quotes
You Realize That There Are Things That God Will Do In Your Life Seasons Of Your Life That God Will Completely Bless You With That Eventually That Season Ends And If You Refuse To Transition With It What Was Once A Blessing Can Turn Into A Curse. [01:10:16] (25 seconds)
Obedience demands Forward faith Not backwards glances I remember when my wife And I were in transition Out of Charleston South Carolina We knew that Our time there was over We knew that God Was moving us on But we really had seen Ourselves Retiring there We just We loved the city We loved the church We loved the people And we just did not See ourselves Ever moving from there. [00:57:14] (27 seconds)
Direction Without Devotion Leads To Destruction That was A good Preacher Point Right There Alliterated And Everything Y 'all Should Be Proud Of Me At least One Of My Points Was Alliterated Y 'all Should Be Proud About It Notice Lot's Wife Left Sodom With Lot And Her Family But When She Got To Zoar Instead Of Being Grateful That God God Saved Her Grateful That Out Of All The People In That City They Were The Only Ones That Still Had Their Family She She Looked Back With Long She Wasn't Committed To The Move She Physically Did It But She Wasn't There Her Heart Was Still In Sodom. [01:05:05] (76 seconds)
You Realize That There Are Things That God Will Do In Your Life Seasons Of Your Life That God Will Completely Bless You With That Eventually That Season Ends And If You Refuse To Transition With It What Was Once A Blessing Can Turn Into A Curse. [01:10:16] (25 seconds)
But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back. And she became a pillar of salt If you ask anybody that has any Sunday school background What they know about Lot's wife They're just going to tell you Oh that's the woman that became a pillar of salt That's all we know We don't know her name We don't know really her background We don't know anything else about her But that she was Lot's wife And she became a pillar of salt Yet she's the one woman in the entire scripture That Jesus says remember her. [00:47:30] (53 seconds)
God Can't deliver you From what you won't leave When we won't walk away We're tying God's hands He won't be able To protect us If we don't listen And obey. [00:56:20] (26 seconds)
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