Looking Back - The Face of Faith

This devotional seeks to remind us of the importance of recalling past victories in order to reinforce our faith.

“David said ‘moreover, the Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine’ ” (KJV, 1 Sam. 17:37).

There are very few things that can enhance our confidence in God and build our faith quite like looking back and remembering the victories that God gave you. God is not amused when we, as His children, behave as if we have spiritual amnesia, completely forgetting the miracles of the past and worst of all, forgetting Him. Psalm 78:11 states that the Children of Israel, “Forgot His works, and His wonders that He had shown them.” They were described as “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God” (Ps. 78: 8). So even after all the signs and wonders in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, getting water from the rock and many others, they still lacked faith when they faced difficulties.

David’s behaviour was however markedly different from his forefathers’. When he saw Saul defaming the God of Israel (1 Sam. 17:26-32), holy anger coupled with a moral sense of duty, made him reflect on his past victories with God, which gave him enormous confidence. He had the rock solid faith that the same God who delivered the lion and bears into his hands, would be the same God who would deliver Saul to him. And sure enough, Goliath was knocked out by a stone from David’s sling and his head taken off by his own sword (1 Sam. 17:50-51).

We are prone to forge but we can’t afford to be classified as stubborn and rebellious. So what can we do to help us look back and remember that which builds our faith? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Testify of God’s goodness 2. Keep a Gratitude Journal 3. Take pictures 4. Pick up ‘stones’, any artefact that aids in looking back and preserving the miracles (See Joshua 4:1- 8). What else can you add to this list?

Today’s Prayer: “Heavenly Father, today I recommit to diligently remember what You have done for me in the past to know assuredly that You are the same God who can do them again and even more. Forgive me of the many times I forget the miracles of the past. Help me to look back and remember Your blessings so that they can reinforce my faith in You, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.”