Remember, Record, Recall
By: Kristen L. McNulty
Reprint rights available on request. Email the author at kristenmcnulty@hotmail.com.
Recently because of COVID-19, I've been pulled out of my travel schedule and social schedule and as a result have had a lot more time to think and look back. Those of you who know my story know I've been through some rather intense twists and turns. While all along I remembered they happened, lately I've been remembering more of the details. But even though many of the moments that have been coming to mind are of pretty painful moments and a lot of suffering, when I look back and really remember, it's not the pain that rises to the surface, it's memories of how God worked and carried me through.
Looking back I can see that even though the trials have been plentiful, so have the blessings. I can recall moment after moment of how He truly did intervene, and I can see clearly in hindsight how many prayers were answered even if I didn't see it at the time. There is something very powerful about looking back and remembering what God has brought us through.
This isn't a new practice. Over and over when Moses was speaking to the people of Israel, he encouraged them to do the same. Let's look at two verses:
"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." (Deut. 4:9)
"Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day." (Deut. 5:15)
Being Quick To Forget
Unfortunately as we learn in Psalm 106 the people of Israel didn't follow Moses' instructions and suffered for it. Reading from verses 7-14:
"Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the LORD's miraculous deeds. They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them. Instead, they rebelled against him at the Red Sea. Even so, he saved them- to defend the honor of his name and to demonstrate his mighty power. He commanded the Red Sea to dry up. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert. So he rescued them from their enemies and redeemed them from their foes. Then the water returned and covered their enemies; not one of them survived. Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn't wait for his counsel! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God's patience in that dry wasteland." Psalm 106:7-14 NLT
The people of Israel saw miracle after miracle. They had experienced God intervene in their lives in so many amazing ways, He literally walked them into freedom from slavery across the sea bed of the Red Sea with walls of water on either side. But somehow along the way they stopped remembering. They stopped looking back. They were quick to forget and as a result, didn't move forward in faith because their lack of remembrance of how God had worked in the past, eroded their faith in God's promises in the present.
What If They Hadn't Forgotten?
Reading the account of their actions, you can't help but question how differently things might have been for the nation of Israel if they hadn't stopped remembering God's actions in the past and believing in His promises of the future. Would they have ever been subject to slavery again? Would the nation have even split into two? Would they have seen their temple destroyed and their people taken away in captivity? Maybe not. We can't know for sure how the fallout of their lack of faith effected the course of history, but we don't need to in order to learn from them.
What a tragedy it would be if you or I didn't allow the sufferings of the past to help build our faith for the future. How devastating it would be if we allowed ourselves to forget, even for a minute, just how faithful God has been to us. If your story is anything like mine, by looking back you will spot the hand of God at work in your life in ways you didn't fully comprehend in that moment. And by seeing the hand of God then, it will help build your faith here and now. Psalm 77:11-14 reads,
"But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations." Psalm 77:11-14
Remember, Record, Recall
So look back. Remember what God has done in your life and even record it in a journal so you call recall it in the future. When we look back we see a resume of who God is and how He works in so many incredible ways in our lives.
Closing with Hebrews chapter 10, verses 32 to 36,
"Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:32-36 NLT
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