Remembering ...

I feel like I have about 100 half written blog posts in my head right now ... so if they make it to the computer, I might be back in the habit again.  If not, well, I also have 80 half graded tests in my bag, so we'll know what wins out.

I've been praying for a lot of friends lately ... and worrying about things outside of my control in my own life as well.  I've also been rereading Priscilla Shirer's One in A Million (which if you haven't read, you should definitely run out and do that.  like now.)

But in that, I am reminded of the fundamental truth that we must not forget.

Yep, that's the truth.  WE MUST NOT FORGET.  We must not forget God's provision in the past.  We must not forget His tenderness in our needs.  We must not forget His HUGE resources.  We must not forget His track record.  Priscilla says, "We need to remember God's track record so we'll feel more confident in trusting Him when we start to get thirsty (or scared, or to doubt, or worry) again."

If you've walked through much of life with me, you know that remembering God's goodness, faithfulness, blessings, and gifts is a HUGE thing in my life.  I have rock jars to remind myself.  I have verses committed to memory.  I can recount God's provision.  Until I forget.

Same problem as the Israelites had.  Our memory is too short for life's experiences. 

I see God work and marvel.  And I think I will never stop trusting.  Until the cirsumstances change and I think, well, God was good for the whole Red Sea parting thing, but ehhh, he might have forgotten I need water. 

He hasn't and he doesn't and He is still the same God who came through the last time. 

Maybe I worry that I've used up all my "wishes" ... maybe I think, God's not just quite big enough for this need.   Maybe I don't deserve for Him to act on my behalf this time? (as if I did last time?)  or maybe I just forgot who He is.

The wilderness is not anyone's choice of venue.  However, it is an amazing place to see God work!  Kind of like being in the country at night when all of the lights of the city are removed and we can see the stars so clearly.  The wilderness removes distractions and things that could compete for God's majesty and we can see Him move ... if we are willing to WAIT and to WATCH.  I'll confess I'm not great at either.

The Israelites saw God part the Red Sea and rescue them from their Egyptian pursuers.  They had a fire and cloud to lead them.  Their clothes and shoes did not wear out.  The bitter waters of Marah turned sweet.  And he brought food from Heaven.  It's hard to think how they could possibly doubt, murmur, wonder, forget, but they did.  And I do, too! 

Exodus 16:11-12 says,
God spoke to Moses, “I’ve listened to the complaints of the Israelites. Now tell them: ‘At dusk you will eat meat and at dawn you’ll eat your fill of bread; and you’ll realize that I am God, your God.’”

And how thankful I am for that reminder.  God hears our complaints.  He knows our hearts.  HE doesn't forget.   And He acts (even when we are being ridiculous) so that we will remember that He is our God.  Not just God, but MY God!

So, even though my circustances may not change, I can choose to remember God at work.  And to know that I can have confidence in His track record.  It's better than that of the housing market in Winder!