When You Feel Like Turning Back

In chapter Five of Pilgrims Progress, Christian arrives at the house of four virtuous sisters called, Prudence, Piety, Charity and Discretion.

After Christian had settled down, Prudence was eager to ask Christian few questions regarding his life.

"Sometimes don't you think about the country you came from?"

Christian replied, "Yes, but with much shame and abhorrence, It is true that if I had highly regarded the country that I came from, I might have returned at an opportune time. But now I desire a better Country, that is, a Heavenly one."

Christian gave an honest response. A lesson we can all learn from Christian is, if he had kept thinking about the country he left, he would have eventually turned around. Paul's address to the Hebrews 11:8 tells us by faith, when Abraham was called obeyed not knowing where he was going, verse 15 then says,

“And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.”

Even Abraham, if his mind had not remained fix on the better place God was leading him, He would have turned back. But, because He did not, he showed his sincerity to be in the promise land.

What should I do, when I know I am not progressing heavenly?

1. First, let the Spirit discomfort you with where you are.

2. Secondly, make a move immediately towards the better place.

3. Thirdly, after you have moved, remember this promise when discouragements come Psalms 103:11-13

"For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father pities his children,

So the Lord pities those who fear Him.”

Just as no one has been able to calculate the distance between heaven and earth, so you too, can never estimate how many times God is willing to forgive you.