No turning back now! I love declaring those words as I start a new adventure. But, honestly, although I may not turn back, sometimes I look back. I wonder, what would have happened if I had done……… It’s really just second-guessing my decisions. How can I enjoy the new adventure?
Photo: Doran Erickson on Unsplash
What’s the Harm in Looking InYour New Adventure
I think I start second-guessing if I should be on this new adventure when I run into a roadblock. Have you ever done that? I begin to ask myself, “Did I really hear God”?
I know I am not alone in occasionally looking back. Is it really such a bad habit?
I started thinking about this when I found a Bible verse on this subject this morning. And now I see that it is definitely a habit I want to break.
“Jesus responded, “Why do you keep looking backward to your past and have second thoughts about following me? When you turn back you are useless to God’s kingdom realm.” Luke 9:62 (TPT)
Now I’m starting to see that when I look back and have second thoughts, my attention is divided. It’s as if I have one foot in the past and the other raised in midair.
I am temporarily immobilized. I cannot fully move ahead into where I am headed. Which demolishes my usefulness.
But, is it really so bad if I just have fleeting moments of looking back and wondering?
I think it might be. It’s like trying to cook and have a conversation at the same time. It may look like I am being efficient as I multi-task. But, I know from experience that doesn’t usually end well. Either I don’t hear everything, or the food gets burned!
When my attention is divided, I cannot hear God clearly either. As a result, I don’t know what to do. Feelings of indecision effect my ability to enjoy the adventure.
Is Listening to God is the Key?
When I am engaging in something that God has called me to do, I get a sense of joy and satisfaction. Even when the new adventure is a stretch for me – or downright scary. (You can read more about embracing new opportunities here.) But when I am not sure of the plan that exhilaration evaporates.
So maybe the key is to communicate with God not just before I start, but all the way through.
Sometimes, I’m afraid that the idea for the adventure is based on what I want, not God’s plan. Do you wonder that as well? How can we make sure we are hearing from God?
I think applying the advice I received from a mentor will help. She said compare your ideas or plan to who you know God to be. Because He does not change, His ideas will align with who we know Him to be, and behaviors He values. For example, is this new adventure:
- Loving
- Grace-filled
- Kind
- Promoting peace
- One that will draw others to His love.
Knowing that the call to the adventure has come from God will increase my enjoyment – for sure!
And when I run into periods where things are not going according to my expectations I will bring that frustration back to Him.
From past experience, I know that God’s adventures can involve challenges that are beyond my skills, causing me to become discouraged. But, if I reflect again on who I know God to be I will be helped. Because I know that He is powerful. He will provide me with what, or who I need to complete His task.
Onward to enjoying the new adventure!