A few years ago, I was facing a time of crisis when I was completely stressed, physically and mentally, I didn’t know how I would be able to keep going.
Due to my husband’s sudden illness, I was forced to become my caregiver’s caregiver. At the time, I was dealing with my own chronic health issues and barely had the strength to take care of myself.
I faced an uncertain future with worry and exhaustion.
But one day, a dear friend said, “God will see you through, just like He always has.”
Desperately trying to grab onto hope, I started to think of times in my life when God got me through. I wanted reassurance He could do the same again.
As things came to my mind, I wrote them down. After the first few, they started flowing.
My list included:
car accidents where God spared my life
relationships He’d miraculously restored
accomplishments only He could bring about
health conditions He healed
safety provided through dangerous circumstances
joy given in the midst of dark and difficult conditions
Everyone’s memory is short. We have a “what have you done for me lately?” mentality.
The Israelites struggled with this. In fact, Psalm 78 is a chapter of instruction not to repeat Israel’s mistakes. It speaks to remembering God’s miracles including
parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
providing manna and quail daily (Exodus 16)
leading with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13)
“They did not remember His power, The day when He redeemed them from the adversary,” Psalm 78:42 (NASB 1995)
When times are hard, I reach for my list. It’s a tangible reminder of how God comes through when we need Him. I always feel hopeful and confident He will carry me when I can’t walk.
I encourage you today to create your own list and keep it in your Bible. Write down scriptures He’s used to touch your heart. We never want to forget His grace and mercy.
Isn't it amazing that, when we see the record of God's interventions and provisions on paper, our spirits receive a a much stronger uplift than just remembering in our minds? I discovered this too, years ago, and kept my list going. It's become a notebook of numerous pages! Our God is indeed gracious and merciful!
What a great idea!