How does remembering God's past actions strengthen our faith and obedience now? Setting the Scene in Joshua 24:18 “And the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, including the Amorites living in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God.” Joshua points the nation back to what God literally did—driving out the Amorites—and immediately ties that memory to present obedience: “We too will serve the LORD.” Link Between Memory and Commitment • Memory ignites loyalty. When Israel saw God clear the land, their hearts naturally said, “How could we ever go back?” • Memory shapes identity. They were no longer wandering slaves; they were God’s settled people because of His mighty hand. • Memory corrects drift. Forgetfulness leads to idolatry (Deuteronomy 6:12), but remembering keeps devotion fresh. Why Recalling God’s Works Fuels Faith Today • Recollection shifts our focus from our limitations to His proven power (Psalm 77:11–12). • Past mercies guarantee present help; God’s character doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8). • Remembering births gratitude, and gratitude breeds obedience (Psalm 103:2). • Recorded history builds confidence that what He did for others He will do for us (Romans 15:4). Witnesses from the Rest of Scripture • David: “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37) • Jeremiah: “Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.” (Lamentations 3:21–23) • Peter: “I will always remind you of these things… to refresh your memory.” (2 Peter 1:12–15) Practical Ways to Keep God’s Deeds in View • Keep a written record—your own “stones of remembrance” (Joshua 4:7). • Retell family testimonies at meals and gatherings. • Sing songs that rehearse His acts; music stores truth in the heart. • Mark anniversaries of answered prayer. • Read biographies of believers who trusted God’s track record. Living in Light of His Track Record Because the God who drove out Amorites is the same God who rescued us in Christ, every past victory is a fresh invitation to trust and obey Him today. Remember loudly, obey gladly. |
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