As I sat in Bible study, I was unaware of what I needed to know. I needed a shift from remembering and focusing on the bad stuff that happened to remembering and focusing on my good Father and all He had done for me. The portion of the lesson I needed was on Joshua and the stones of remembrance.
Joshua 4:21-23 Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. NKJV
We need to look back. We need to mark the miracles, big and small. We need to tell our stories and keep the testimonies alive. Our memories that speak of the goodness of God need to be told to all the world. They will provide faith and hope to God’s children for generations to follow.
When we look back, we see all the times He parted the waters for us.
Recently, he parted the waters for me, and I saw it immediately.
In March of this year, the Lord sent me into the ‘wilderness’ to walk by faith. He gave me the hardest assignment I have ever walked through. Often, in this situation, I have been unsure which direction to take. But God, in His faithfulness, has been teaching me to stand still, silent, calm and in peace. He has been training my patience muscles. When I can stand and wait for Him, miraculous things happen.
Three and a half months into this journey, I was asked to join a meeting only two days before it was to happen. I believe that was done on purpose, because the person who invited me in did not really want me there. With such short notice, I had to decline, as I had a client scheduled for the day and time of this Zoom gathering. I badly wanted to be there; to hear the news first hand. I left it in God’s hands.
The next day, now one day before the meeting, that client cancelled. I was never so thrilled for a cancellation. Immediately, I signed up for the meeting. The news we received was incredible. I was so happy to hear the good report first hand. I was so grateful to God for parting the waters and getting me there.
As the meeting was about to end, I learned that bringing me joy was not the only reason God had me attend. He wanted me there because the last question asked was for me. That question ended my waiting on the Lord and His directions for my next steps were delivered through the facilitator who asked the question. As soon as the meeting was over, I knew what I was to do. I had to step out in faith, and take on another scary, but necessary task.
This story is not over. I have no idea when it will be. But, I know the author. He is working all things together for our good. Psalm 106 speaks of multiple times the Israelites forgot the marvelous works of God performed for them. It mentions the parting of the Red Sea, the time Phinehas intervened for them and God stopped a plague, how when Moses asked, He turned from His anger and did not destroy them.
Time and time again, the people forgot how God had protected and rescued them. They returned to their rebellion and defilement.
We too forget. Too often we remember our troubles and forget all the good God has done for us. We are quick to ask for His Mercy, yet slow to bear witness to how His mighty hand was upon our afflictions.
We need to remember.
I don’t use stones for remembrance of these events. I write them in a journal so they are always available. Isaiah told the people to write things down so they would be available forever. (Isaiah 30:8) In Phillipians 4, Paul tells us to meditate on the things of good report. There are many ways to keep our stories of the praiseworthy works of our Lord alive.
Joshua 4:24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever. NKJV
The day of that zoom meeting was life changing for me. I never want to forget what God did for me then or in the days that followed. Over and over He has parted waters for me. I share the testimonies with friends and family, especially those who are not believers or are prodigals.
We all need to remember what the Lord has done for us and Jesus’ death and resurrection to redeem us from our sins and bring us into eternity. What can you do to remember so you will be able to pass the good news on?
Peace!
Janice S.