Remember and Recount

Remembering is something the Lord always wants us to do. Memorials to His hand in our lives, whether we write it down in our journals, take pictures or recount them to others. We see this over and over in Scripture. There are so many stories of God’s hand in Scripture. The Old Testament is rich in encouraging and reminding us that “If God calls you to it, He will see you through it.” His leading the Israelites into the Promised Land is full of mini-lessons for us on the character of God, His power, and His provision.

Reading in Joshua chapters 1-6 we find the account of God equipping Joshua and those he was leading (the Israelites) to conquer the city of Jericho. In life, God calls us all to be “Joshua’s.” You can’t serve God without taking up your “sword” and marching in obedience toward His call on your life daily. Life is a battle. A daily surrender of our will to His. We battle our flesh and, at times, we battle others.

We can be encouraged through the book of Joshua to see a living testimony of how to “WIN the battle” in our steps of obedience and trusting God to equip us daily. To trust He will go before us and come behind us to “fight” battles. Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This Scripture was true thousands of years ago and it is TRUE today, 2017:)

I love reading what the prostitute Rahab, who lived in Jericho, says to the two spies she hid and protected, “I KNOW that the Lord has given you this land [Jericho] and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have HEARD how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for YOU when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed,” (see Joshua 2:9-11).

You see, word had spread ahead of the Israelites. Word of God’s provision…to the point that Rahab not only believed, but she risked her life, and that of her family, to protect and hide the spies. This was another way God provided for the Israelites to take Jericho.

What can we take away from this story today?

Lesson 1: Remember your past experiences–all the times when God has provided, protected or both. It will encourage you and others in the future, especially when He calls you to “step” again. As Christians we all have a lifetime of stepping, if we are breathing. Recounting and remembering is POWERFUL, especially for the next step. God has the plan; we need only to obey and step. Very often He doesn’t show us a series of steps. We take one…then He shows us the next.

Lesson 2: Give a testimony. Spread the word of what the Lord has done for you, your children, your extended family or friends. Look back at the story from Joshua. Rahab had heard the testimony, and so had others in Jericho, of God’s provision.

I have loved being able to share my personal testimony and those of others. Just recently, I recounted on this blog how God has sustained our family and provided for us in a year full of challenging and frightening health traumas. I also shared about the attacks from the enemy when I would feel “survivor’s guilt” knowing others didn’t have the same outcome we did. The enemy is sly. While other people were rejoicing for us, I would have this darkness come over me….feelings of guilt. Testifying helps us focus on God and not on the darkness.

Point of post: Share your stories of God’s faithfulness.

Remember often all that God does and has done. There is nothing like “Word of Mouth Advertising” for the glory of God. Join me in lifting the name of Jesus to everyone you meet.

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  • Sherry, I gave up social media for lent. I was missing your devotions on Facebook and joined back9ministries. Your words always touch me and provide clarity to situations I’m experiencing. Thank you for sharing your stories and your love for Jesus. It is making an impact on me and I’m sure many others! ❤❤