What steps can we take to remember God's promises in difficult times? Framing the Moment 2 Chronicles 20:9: “If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You—for Your name is in this temple—and we will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear and save us.” What Jehoshaphat’s Prayer Shows Us • God expects His people to face hardship; promises are designed for real crises. • Remembering happens in a specific place—“before this temple” points to deliberate, intentional positioning. • The people rest their plea on God’s character—“Your name is in this temple.” • They voice their need—“we will cry out”—then trust His response—“You will hear and save.” Step 1: Rehearse His Word Out Loud • Speak the verse in first-person: “You will hear and save me.” • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing.” Hearing your own voice fuels faith. • Keep a small card or phone note with promise verses for quick repetition. Step 2: Gather in His Presence • Old-covenant Israelites stood at the temple; we draw near through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). • Attend worship even when feelings lag. Fellowship reminds you that God’s promises are communal realities. • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together, precisely so hope stays fresh. Step 3: Cry Out Honestly • Jehoshaphat’s model: Name the threat—“sword… plague… famine.” Get specific with God. • Philippians 4:6-7 couples honest petition with promised peace. • Pouring out fear clears space for promise to settle. Step 4: Call to Mind His Name and Character • God’s “name” sums up His attributes—faithful, mighty, merciful. • Lamentations 3:21-23—Jeremiah forces his mind back to God’s steadfast love; hope returns. • Make a short list of God’s names (e.g., Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Shalom) and match each with a past moment He proved it. Step 5: Remember Past Deliverances • Psalm 77:11-12—“I will remember the deeds of the LORD.” Reflection fuels expectation. • Keep a journal of answered prayers; reread in new storms. • Joshua 4:6-7—Israel’s stone memorials turned memories into visible faith aids. Step 6: Record Today’s Struggle and Tomorrow’s Victory • Write the date, the crisis, the promise claimed, and the outcome. • Future trials will find you holding documented evidence that God keeps His word. Step 7: Respond with Worship Before the Outcome • 2 Chronicles 20:21—before seeing deliverance, the choir sang, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” • Worship shifts focus from threat to Promise-Keeper, reinforcing every previous step. Living the Pattern Stand in His presence, speak His promises, pour out your heart, recall His name, remember His deeds, record His faithfulness, worship ahead of victory. Do this repeatedly, and difficult times become platforms where God’s promises move from memory to lived reality. |
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