There are so many things that compete for our attention. The home, the kids, work, our health, keeping the car tuned up, relationships and of course, the things that entertain us. If we are not careful, we soon find ourselves just staying afloat without praying or meditating on God's Word. We find ourselves surviving instead of thriving. This is why it's hard to get rid of bad habits...we are used to doing things a certain way and we at least know what to expect and what to do. When God starts helping us to focus on something better and healthier, we are at a loss for a while on how to live with the change. That's why it is so much easier to look back and fall back to our old ways.

The Israelites really struggled with this when leaving Egypt. They struggled with looking back so much that they never made it forward. All they could think about was the comparison between the luxuries in Egypt with the barrenness of the desert. Even though God completely provided miracles for them and freed them from the cruelty of slavery, they could not stop thinking of the comforts of their bad lifestyle over the freedom of their new lifestyle. And they never learned to work it out with the Lord. They just complained about it. As much as we hate to admit it, we struggle with the same things at times.

Maybe God has asked you to make some changes in certain areas of your life ...and things are getting hard...and you are tempted to go back to your old familiar ways. Don't look back... keep pressing forward! Use the power of prayer, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the promises of hope for a better future and keep going forward. Maintain a vibrant fellowship with Him, and have a great attitude. Put the Lord first in everything and have Him lead you day by day, instead of figuring out your own needs and asking the Lord to meet them. You know the change you are asked to make is good for you...don't look back. Move forward in His Name!