Remember that story about the little girl who I couldn’t find after school? Well, the reason I couldn’t find her that afternoon was because ‘she turned back.’ I kid you not; this is a direct English translation of the explanation she gave to her family that evening.

She was nowhere to be found after school because that morning, instead of heading straight to school, she got herself a patty and went back home. Yes, we were all relieved when we found out she was safe, but eventually she got in trouble.

And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: (Ruth 1:15-16 KJV)

Our journey on the Christian pathway is very similar. We have all been there. Thoughts about turning back have crossed our minds many times. In fact, just like the little girl, some of us gave into the temptation of turning back.

She got a patty and skipped school. Maybe turning back for you is as simple as not sticking to your diet. It could be giving up on your career, not applying to that school, or staying at home when you should be out there making a difference.

Turning back could mean that you have lost sight of your faith by shoving your beliefs aside. Whatever your version of turning back is, I hope that you’ll find your way back before it’s too late.

Don’t skip out on what you know you should be doing. Don’t forfeit your eternal destiny. Things may seem okay now, but eventually you will have to face the consequences.

Prayer

Prayer for Not Turning Back

Heavenly Father,Turning back sometimes feels like the best option. Oftentimes I feel like there is no point in going forward, but help me not to give up on myself. Help me not to give up on what lies ahead. Fortify me so I may not lose sight of the plans and the future that you have prepared for me.

Lord, give me that push to help me make the right step forward. Give me the resources, motivation, faith, and traveling companions who will ensure that I make it to the eternal destiny that You have prepared for me from the foundations of this world. Thank You for not giving up on me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.