Why is it important to remember God's faithfulness when facing giants in life? The Setting: Hebron’s Giants and the Fear They Spark Numbers 13:22 records the moment the spies “came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, lived.” These Anakim were literal, physically imposing warriors—a detail so striking that it dominated the spies’ report. The people quickly forgot the Red Sea, the manna, and the pillar of fire; they only saw giants. Giants Are Real, but God’s Track Record Is Longer - Scripture never downplays hard realities; the Anakim were formidable. - Yet every challenge is preceded by an unbroken history of God’s faithfulness. - Deuteronomy 7:18-19 urges, “Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt… the LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.” - What He has done becomes the lens through which we view what stands ahead. Looking Back Fuels Going Forward - David faced Goliath by recalling earlier rescues: “The LORD who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). - Caleb leaned on the same memory when he later asked for Hebron itself (Joshua 14:12). - Psalm 77:11-12 echoes the pattern: “I will remember the works of the LORD… and meditate on all Your mighty deeds”. Remembering is not nostalgia; it is strategic faith. Five Strengths Remembering God’s Faithfulness Supplies 1. Perspective – Giants shrink when placed beside the Red Sea’s parted waters. 2. Courage – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). 3. Obedience – Confidence in His character births action, not retreat (Numbers 14:9). 4. Perseverance – Hope is renewed: “Great is Your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:21-23). 5. Witness – Courage rooted in memory encourages the fearful around us (Hebrews 10:23). Scripture’s Ongoing Call to Remember - Stones at the Jordan (Joshua 4:1-7) - The Passover meal (Exodus 12:24-27) - The Lord’s Supper (“Do this in remembrance of Me,” Luke 22:19) God repeatedly builds memorials because He knows forgetfulness breeds fear. Practical Ways to Keep His Deeds in View Today - Journal answered prayers and past rescues; revisit the pages when new giants appear. - Tell the next generation the “mighty acts” of the LORD (Psalm 145:4). - Sing hymns and songs that rehearse His works—music cements memory. - Celebrate ordinances like communion with mindful gratitude, not routine. - Mark anniversaries of deliverance—personal “Ebenezers” that cry, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). Conclusion: Grapes over Giants The spies carried a cluster of grapes so large it required two men (Numbers 13:23), tangible proof of God’s promise. When we deliberately recall His faithfulness, we shift our gaze from towering Anakim to overflowing fruit. Giants still stand, but remembered grace steadies the heart to follow wherever God leads. |
    |