“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom.” — Genesis 13:10–12 (NIV)
In this passage, Lot made a decision based on what looked good to the eye. The land of Jordan appeared fertile and promising, a place that seemed like a guaranteed future. But what Lot didn’t know was that beneath the beauty of that land lay destruction.

Meanwhile, Abraham stayed in Canaan—the place God had chosen for him. Though it didn’t appear as fruitful or attractive, it was where God’s blessing rested. Eventually, Canaan became the land of promise, and Abraham’s faithfulness positioned him for greatness.

This story reminds us that not every shining opportunity is divine. Some paths may look prosperous, but if they are not rooted in God’s will, they can lead to emptiness or destruction.
Don’t Be Deceived by Appearances

Lot’s mistake was focusing on appearance rather than divine direction. Many people today make decisions based on what looks good — a job that pays more, a relationship that seems perfect, or a location that appears full of opportunity — but without seeking God’s guidance first.

The truth is: where God plants you is where your blessings will flow. You may not see immediate signs of abundance, but if God is in it, growth will come. On the other hand, anything that glitters outside God’s will can quickly lose its shine.
Example from the Bible: Elimelech and Naomi

In Ruth 1, Elimelech moved his family from Bethlehem (the “house of bread”) to Moab during a famine, thinking he would find better conditions. Yet, in Moab, he and his sons died, leaving Naomi widowed and heartbroken. When Naomi later returned to Bethlehem, she discovered that God had visited His people and restored the land.

Elimelech’s story and Lot’s decision both teach us a vital lesson: It is safer to stay where God is working than to chase what merely looks promising.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that true blessing is found in Your will. Help me not to be deceived by appearances or quick opportunities. Teach me to stay rooted where You have planted me and to trust Your process, even when it doesn’t look easy. Lord, guide my steps and keep me aligned with Your perfect plan, that I may never leave the place of Your blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.