Remembering God's Blessings

Scripture: "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."" (1 Samuel 7:12)

I am awed and humbled at the many blessing of God in my life. Answered prayers, desires fulfilled, prayers answered that weren't even yet voiced. I have seen God move tremendously throughout my life. During times of great tribulation, I can look back and see how God provided through the most difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. I find my peace through these remembrances. God comes through over and over again, even when it looks like I'm looking straight through a dark tunnel. But I find solace that HE'S THERE. He is always there. Being a Christian doesn't mean having a life of ease, but adversity is where every individuals' faith should grow. We all have our struggles, and God will show Himself if you recognize it when He moves.

I know it's frustrating when He seems to move slowly. When you look at your cupboard and it's nearly bare, you look at your bank account and wonder how you will pay the next bill, look through endless ads and wonder when a job offer will come through.

HE'S THERE.

It's important to remember the times God met your needs in the past, because when you add them all up, it helps you to hang onto His presence in the future.

Some of my friends and I have amazing stories of faith strengthening moments; an unexpected check when our accounts were low, blessings of food not even asked for, a card with just the right words being sent at just the right time. We have learned to recognize God's hand when we see it.

I also have friends who keep tangible reminders of God's movement through their lives. They will find and keep a rock, sometimes writing a word on it to remind them of when God met them in their darkest times. They will take with them a keepsake, a photo, a "souvenir" if I may call it that - of a time when God met them in their most desperate moment. Some keep journals of God's answers to prayer.

However you remember, tangible or not, it is so important to recognize seeing God's hand move through your life. The Israelites constantly forgot what God had done for them as they wandered in the desert, and consequently, they fell into sin. They whined, they despaired for their future, and some even turned against God in their frustration, desperation, pain and sorrow.

To worry, whine and despair are all human emotions, not always sinful. When one loses their job, discovers a loved one is in the hospital, faces an unexpected expense - it is not our first reaction to throw our hands up in the air and express joy for our troubles. But eventually, one must move from despair and worry and into God's grace and mercy, into his loving hands, and know in your heart of hearts HE IS THERE for you. He will never leave you or forsake you (Dt 31:6, 8; Josh 1:5)

For those of you who are feeling the pressures of life, the economy, struggling to make ends meet, who are in the middle of crisis, I urge you to take to heart Isaiah 41:10. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This is God's promise to us. He comes through for His children. Not in your timing - but His. And this is one of life's hardest lessons to learn.

Rest in the assurance that HE KNOWS and HE IS WITH YOU.

Remember past blessings. He has not forgotten you. You will get through.

Prayer request: Pray for those who really need to see God moving in their lives.

Prayer: LORD, we ask You to pour Your abundance of grace down on Your people. We are a hurting, worrying, prayerful bunch. Make Your divine presence known, ease our fears, help us each to find rest in You in ways only You can possibly provide. And as you pour down Your blessings, help us to always remember Your response to our cries for help, and carry those into our future to look back on and rejoice in Your presence. Amen