The Power of Remembering: Building Memorials of Faith

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to forget the moments when God has shown up for us. Yet, these memories are vital anchors for our faith, especially when we face storms and challenges. This Memorial Day weekend, let's reflect on the importance of building spiritual memorials in our lives.

The concept of memorials runs deep in scripture. In Joshua 4, we see God instructing the Israelites to create a memorial after crossing the Jordan River. Twelve stones were to be taken from the riverbed and set up as a sign. Why? So that when future generations asked, "What do these stones mean?", they could recount the miraculous way God dried up the waters, allowing them to cross into the Promised Land.

This act of remembering wasn't just about preserving history. It was about fortifying faith for the present and future. Our past victories can prove to be a powerful help in present uncertainties. When we recall God's faithfulness in our lives, it brings strength to our current circumstances.

Think about it - how many times has God shown up for you? If you raised your hand, you're a witness to His goodness. Yet, how often do we talk about these moments? How frequently do we bring them back to mind? The Bible uses the word "remember" 148 times and "memorial" 32 times. Clearly, God wants us to hold onto these memories!

But why is this so crucial? Because life has a way of knocking us off our feet. Problems and troubles seem to show up uninvited. In these moments of disappointment, fear, and frustration, embracing God's promises and recalling His past faithfulness can be a lifeline.

Consider the disciples in Mark 6. They had just witnessed Jesus miraculously feed 5,000 people with a few loaves and fish. Immediately after, Jesus sends them across the sea where they encounter a terrifying storm. Despite having just seen an incredible miracle, they panic. They had forgotten the lesson of the loaves - that Jesus was more than capable of handling any situation.

How often are we like those disciples? The troubles of the night can cause us to forget the miracles of the morning. That's why we need memorials in our lives - concrete reminders of God's faithfulness that we can cling to when the storms rage.

These memorials don't have to be physical stones. They can be journal entries, photographs, or simply vivid memories we intentionally recall. The key is to have specific moments we can point to and say, "This is where God met me. This is how He provided. This is how He came through."

Jacob understood this. In Genesis 28, after experiencing a divine visitation in his sleep, he set up a stone pillar and named the place Bethel, meaning "house of God." He created a memorial to remember his encounter with the divine.

Sometimes, God's intervention isn't as immediate or dramatic as we'd like. Remember the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant into the Jordan River? The waters didn't part instantly. They had to step out in faith, getting their feet wet, before seeing any change. Even then, the Bible tells us the waters were cut off 20 miles upstream. It took time for the riverbed to dry where they stood.

This teaches us an important lesson: obedience often precedes the miracle. There will be times when God asks us to step out in faith without seeing immediate results. In those moments, we must recall His past faithfulness and trust His timing.

The story in 1 Samuel 7 provides another powerful example. As the Israelites were trying to turn back to God, building an altar and offering sacrifices, the Philistines attacked. It seemed like the worst possible timing. Yet, as they cried out to God, He thundered from heaven, confusing the enemy and giving Israel victory.

After this deliverance, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying "Thus far the Lord has helped us." What a beautiful reminder that even when things look bleakest, God is still fighting for us.

This Memorial Day weekend, let's take time to build our own Ebenezers. Let's recall the times God has come through for us - the healings, the provisions, the unexpected blessings, the storms calmed. Let's share these stories with our children and friends, creating a legacy of faith.

When we face our next challenge - and we will - these memorials will serve as powerful reminders that the God who was faithful then is still faithful now. They will give us the courage to step into our Jordan Rivers, trusting that God will make a way. They will anchor us in the storms, reminding us that Jesus is still capable of walking on water and calming the winds.

Remember, our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He hasn't changed. He hasn't forgotten you. He's still good, still faithful, and still for you. So, take a moment today to recall His goodness. Build a memorial in your heart. And let it be a source of hope and faith for whatever lies ahead.

As you go through this week, challenge yourself to actively remember God's faithfulness. When you face a difficulty, consciously bring to mind a time when God came through for you. Share these stories with others. Write them down. Create your own spiritual memorials.

Because when we remember, we find strength. When we recall God's faithfulness, we find hope. And in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, these memorials of faith can be the anchors that keep us steady, reminding us that thus far, the Lord has helped us - and He will continue to do so.

• Joshua 4 (discussed at length, particularly verses 1-7)
• Mark 6 (discussed in detail, particularly verses 44-52)
• Genesis 28:16-19
• 1 Samuel 7:9-12

Alluded to:

• Lamentations 3:21-23 (referenced when discussing recalling God's faithfulness)
• Romans 8:38-39 (alluded to when discussing nothing separating us from God's love)
• Hebrews 13:8 (referenced as "He's the same yesterday, today and forever")
• Exodus 14 (alluded to when comparing the Jordan River crossing to the Red Sea parting)