Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’
DAILY READING –Mark 7:1-13; 2 Samuel 17; Daniel 11:1-19
The American Revolutionary War was the war waged by the American colonies against the British to gain their independence. George Washington who was the commander in chief of the Continental Army became a central figure in this war . The events and decisions that he took during this period were pivotal in helping him to become one of the most revered Commanders in Chief in US history.
George Washington was a man of prayer who once he had sought and obtained divine guidance moved forward with persistence, tenacity and a strong positive focus. He refused to let go even in the face of extreme adversity. And through his strong faith in God, he took decisions that led their army to victory. One of those pivotal decisions happened when General Washington was approaching one of the fiercest battles of the war. He and his troops had crossed over a bridge as they were nearing the battle; when one of his officers came to him and asked whether or not to burn the bridge behind them. It was customary to burn the bridges as they crossed over them to prevent the enemy from slipping up on them from behind and to prevent soldiers from running away from the battle when it became too hot.
General Washington looked toward the battle and then looked back to where they had come from and then back toward the battle and then gave his answer.
“Burn the bridge, it is either victory or death’
He eventually led the colonial forces to victory over the British and became a national hero. In 1787, he was elected president of the convention that wrote the U.S. Constitution. Two years later, Washington became America’s first president.
Washinghton became successful and outstanding in history because of his great focus. He would never turn back from his goal no matter how difficult the challenge.
Luke 9:62 says ‘And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’
When we have made the decision to follow Christ we should burn the bridge and destroy other options. There should not be any room for turning back. When we know there is no other way but forward then we have to keep moving forward.
Your faith will be tested many times and in many ways. But you have to make up your mind that going back to Egypt will never be an option. When the Israelites left Egypt, on the journey to the promised land, several times they wanted to turn back and go back. and that angered God.
When you put your hands to the plough there is no more room for going back, it is forward ever. Lot’s wife was turned to a pillar of salt as a warning to anyone who wants to turn back after they have started out. Jesus said ‘Remember Lot’s wife’. Paul said anyone going back to the vomit of sin is crucifying Christ afresh and making an open mockery of Him. It is true sometimes the journey may seem hard, and we could get weary, but no matter what you face or are confronted with make up your mind never to turn back. It is not an option. Going back to sin and the ways of the world is never to be considered.
Once you have put your hand to the plough, decide you will never turn back. No matter the lure and temptations decide to trust God in every situation. Decide you will never end your journey halfway. Decide you will follow Christ to the end. Like the Hebrew boys you have to determine that you will never bow. And one thing you can be sure of is that no matter how difficult the road, God will never leave you stranded. He will always see you through. Those who like Esther declare ‘if I perish, I perish’ are those who end up flourishing. Surely they that put their trust in God shall never be ashamed.
PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the grace to follow You all the way. No matter how difficult the journey or how weary I may sometimes get, please help me to keep pressing forward, because surely there is an end and my expectations shall never be cut short in Jesus Name.
Quote
God is preparing you for the season He prepared your breakthrough. – WORDBITE 222.