There has been a lot going on this week. A lot to think about and distract me. Work is pushing hard and fast, my son's past Nanny has decided not to come back after her maternity leave (understandable), we got a new toy for watching t.v., the lawn needed mowing, the homework needed done, etc., etc.
Through it all though I've felt a sense of accomplishment. Partially due to the things I've down and decided based on the events above but mainly because of the fact that I'm still reading my Bible steadily and drawing closer to God through it all.
I'm working on a relationship with God and remembrance is a big key to that. Whenever we work on building trust in someone whether its a teacher or a parent or even just a friend we usually come to a situation where we have to stretch that trust. Our decision to not do so can be based on fact or fear. If its fact and there is reason to not trust them then it is good. If its out of fear then we've just lost a chance to grow closer to that person.
With God what we need remember is all things he does are for our benefit. They may not seem like that at the time but looking back we can usually see what he was doing if we look to him wanting a relationship rather than fearful to push forward.
But I said remembrance is a key. With your teacher/parent/friend that you are deciding whether to trust further the thing to do is to look back; to remember. Remember the times that you did trust them and they came through for you. Remember how you needed that shoulder to cry on and they were there for you. Remembering those things strengthens your ability to trust them again.
With God it is the same way. We can't grow closer to God if we don't trust him with our lives. So I remember the things he has done.
Deuteronomy 7:17-19 (NIV)What do I remember?
17 You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?” 18 But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. 19 You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.
Luke 22:18-20 (NIV)
18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
I remember how he came to me during camping many years ago and spoke to my need. I remember seeing the logic of a loving God who was not part of this universe but stood outside able to see and do all that he wills, all that we need. If I wasn't a Christian then (my memory isn't the best from that time - another topic) I was after that moment.
I remember another camp experience in which I was suffering pretty badly from diarrhea (TMI?). It was making my camp experience miserable. I couldn't participate in anything really. But I remember sitting quietly in a worship service (yes, a Christian camp) while everyone else was up and praising God and having a good time. I remember praying to God in that time and being filled with the knowledge that I needed to rebuke the sickness in me, stand up and praise God. I did just that. The pains went away, the other symptoms went away and I was free! I continued to praise God and thank God through the night.
I remember the vision that God gave me that I told to one other person. That vision was then confirmed when a visitor came to our church and told of a vision she had that not only matched my own but was reflected in the visions of several other world Christian leaders. That vision became the basis for the name of the Faith Christian Center youth group - Blue Flames For Christ.
I remember needing a better job than I had back after high school. I was called by a friend from church who saw an ad in the paper that they felt God was telling them to tell me about. They said to apply for the job and then come and have dinner with them and tell them all about it. I was hired for the job and it was mine for 5 years. It shaped a lot of the skills I now have and was a great experience. I would have never had that job if God had not spoken to my friend and encouraged me to apply.
Most recently I had a dream that not only scared me but was directly linked to my spiritual life. I won't go into the details of the dream now (I've put it on Google+ with limited access for now. I may post it here someday) but it changed me. I think back to that dream quite a bit when I feel myself getting unfocused.
There are so many more things God has done both big and small that I couldn't even begin to put them here. If you are in a tough spot take time today to remember all God has done for you. It might change your life.
"The decisions you make today determine your memories for tomorrow."Visit Christian Eye at http://christian-eye.blogspot.com
