By Sharon Wilson
“Remember the wife of Lot.” ~ Luke 17:32
Yesterday would have marked my forty-first anniversary. Since my husband’s passing two years ago, the pain of these significant dates has softened, yet it remains. Losing a loved one is a profound journey, a delicate balance of remembrance, grief, and the call to move forward in faith.
Recently, I found myself reflecting on the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, particularly the poignant moment when Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. This account in Genesis 19:1–38 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of longing for the past over embracing God’s promise for the future. Rather than focusing solely on disobedience, this story invites us to consider the spiritual significance of our gaze—whether we look back in sorrow or forward in hope.
In my grief and nostalgia for my marriage, it can be all too easy to become fixated on what was, allowing despair to cloud my vision. It may feel as though God has closed the door on my future, but this perspective is a distortion of His truth. Jesus reminds us through Lot’s wife that clinging to the past can rob us of the abundant life He desires for us today. When we hold onto grudges, we hinder the flourishing of relationships. When we carry guilt, we shackle ourselves from the freedom that Christ offers.
Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt not out of divine punishment but as a vivid illustration of the perils of turning away from God’s path. To live in the past is to experience a spiritual death in the present. Jesus calls us to remember her, urging us to keep our hearts set on Him and the future He has in store (Luke 17:32).
Remember the wife of Lot. Luke 17:32
Since becoming a widow, I’ve grappled with feelings of despair and uncertainty about my path ahead. Yet, I believe the message is clear: no matter where we are in our journey, God is not done with us yet.
I pray that you, too, will discern where you might feel stuck in the shadows of the past. May you be filled with the strength of the Holy Spirit to take steps forward in faith. It all begins with the spiritual reminder from Lot’s wife—let us not look back but press on toward the hope and promise of our Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to discern where I feel stuck in the shadows of the past. Help me to be filled with the strength of the Holy Spirit to take steps forward in faith.
Call to Action:
Reflect on the spiritual reminder from Lot’s wife. What are the things that are causing you to look back? Put those things into God’s hands so you can focus on the hope and promise of our Lord.
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So beautiful Sharon! Great reminder – great writing! ❤️
I needed to hear this today thank you
How powerful, I find myself stuck in the past on most days. I need to read this message on a regular basis to put myself in reality.
Thank you,
Beautiful and powerful reflection. Praying for you and all widows.
Imagine my surprise reading this – yesterday would have been my 47th anniversary. Even after 11 years of being widowed, your message means so much and is a good reminder.
Beautifully written, Sharon! Thank you and may God bless and guide your future path—one step at a time.
WOW – this is great! I especially loved “Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt not out of divine punishment but as a vivid illustration of the perils of turning away from God’s path.” – I will use this in my class in a few weeks when we speak of Lot’s wife.
Beautiful reflection – thank you for being so vulnerable.
In Christ,
Alyssa
My heart is with yours, Sharon. It wasn’t my husband who died, it was my son. He was 35 and he died right before Christmas 2019, so coming up on five years. Your suggestions are wonderful and I find myself wishing for him to be back; however, he was very ill and God took him before Covid, so I (and his widow) are so thankful that he didn’t have to live through that, AND that she and I were able to be with him those last eight days at the Mayo Clinic. God bless you, Sharon!