Last weekend at our Hope After Loss retreat, one of the speakers posed the question to us: If you could, would you go back to the person you were before your child died? 

After thinking about it, my friends and I decided the answer was no. Though we would do anything to have our children back, we would not want to go back to the people we were before. We’ve learned so much because of what we have been through. God has shaped and molded us in so many ways. We definitely understand a lot more about pain, suffering, and leaning on Him.

Before entering the Promised Land, Moses gathered all the Israelites together and encouraged them to look back at who they were before they had left Egypt. “And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders.” (Deut. 29:2-3)

Sometimes before we move forward, it’s good to look back. The Israelites had seen God work, and it was helpful to reflect on that.

In verse 5, Moses told them, “I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet.” 

That’s actually pretty incredible. I don’t know the last time I’ve had a pair of shoes that lasted ten years, much less forty. Even my much-loved Hokas.

Moses then went on to remind the people about their most recent victories over the kings of Heshbon and  Bashan. They had defeated these two great nations and claimed the land for their own. God’s hand was in everything they had done. 

Moses’s point in looking back was not to have the people think about the mistakes of the previous years. He wasn’t wanting them to dwell on all their past failures and shortcomings. No! He wanted them to remember how far they had come and how God had led them. Look down at your feet for living proof of what He’s done for you!

Taking a moment to look back and think about where we used to be can help us realize that we actually have made some progress! Sanctification IS happening! Reflecting on our past can give us a boost as we move forward toward the future. May God’s faithfulness drive us every day!