On Christmas Day as I sat and watched our family interact, converse and laugh I thought to myself as uncertain as the current outlook on life may be, look at all He has done. Look at just how faithful He has been in our lives personally these past 12 months and our families and friends. Remember the times he carried us; the times He made a way; His provision; how he brought peace and hope for a better future.
Isn’t it amazing how our memories transport us back to specific times? We remember where we were, how we felt, the smell that was in the air. People can experience it with trauma, but people can also experience it in a really positive way as well.
Scripture encourages us to remember all that God has done, to remember His wonderful deeds of long ago, to consider the work of His hands.
Remembering is different to looking back.
Lot’s wife looked back at what she was leaving and then turned into a pillar of salt.
When we remember we are elevating God’s ability to perform a miracle in our midst today.
Remember who my God is and what He is capable of
Psalm Chapter 77 verse 14 “You display your power among the peoples.”
Smith Wigglesworth “The power of God will take you out of your own plans and put you into the plan of God.”
Shortly after I had rededicated my life to Christ, I was gifted a brand new bible. Even though this bible is now quite worn, and the cover is deteriorating, I like to keep it close as it reminds me of what is possible of a life lived with God.
Rehearse, remember, the power of God that you have seen demonstrated, the miracles that you have witnessed.
Because all these things will buoy your faith, they’ll give you hope, they’ll raise the faith in you, therefore affecting your relationships, your household and community for the better.
Remember who people are and what they’ve done
Just before Christmas I had someone surprise me with a beautiful bunch of flowers and a card full of gratitude. Even though I hadn’t seen this person in some time they wanted to thank me for the positive impact I had had on their life. I was taken aback by this gesture as it was totally unexpected.
I am more convinced than ever that God uses people and that’s how this world will become a better place. And we ought to never forget or take for granted the positive influence that people have had on our lives.
I believe that’s why I was positively impacted on Christmas Day as I looked out at our extended family and friends. I was impacted as I thought of all that God has brought us through and also the grievances, disruptions, health issues some had faced. And yet we sat there all together thankful that we were able to simply be in each other’s company celebrating Christmas.
Every new season is marked by a change in relationships but there are some relationships that we shouldn’t let go of.
Remember who I am and what I am capable of
What positive affirmations am I declaring?
We draw strength from God and also by our character being developed through previous obstacles and even stumbling blocks.
What has God been preparing you for? What is the strength that is being built in you now going to be used for?
2 Corinthians Chapter 12 verse 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
May faith, hope and expectation rise in our hearts this year as we remember just how good He has been.