“When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.'”
Joshua 4:1-3
God’s faithfulness is our foundation. The Israelites stood before the walls of Jericho, facing what seemed to be an impossible obstacle. But they didn’t face it alone, and they didn’t face it without context. They had history with God.
Just days before, they had witnessed the impossible. The Jordan River, at flood stage, had parted before them. They had walked across on dry ground, echoing the miracle their parents and grandparents had experienced at the Red Sea. God had done the impossible before their very eyes.
“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” – Numbers 23:19 (NLT)
God instructed them to remember. He had Joshua set up stones as a memorial of the Jordan crossing. Why? Because God knows our tendency to forget, to let the challenges of today overshadow the miracles of yesterday.
Our past with God informs our present faith. As the Israelites looked at Jericho’s walls, they could look back at the stones from the Jordan and remember: “We have history with God. He’s done the impossible before. He’ll do it again.”
God’s track record is perfect. From the calling of Abraham to the plagues in Egypt, from the parting of the Red Sea to the manna in the wilderness, God had proven Himself faithful time and time again. Jericho was just the next chapter in a long story of God’s faithfulness.
Our challenges don’t surprise God. Just as God had a plan for Jericho before the Israelites ever saw its walls, He has a plan for the obstacles in your life. Your impossible situation is an opportunity for God to write another chapter in your history with Him.
Remembering is an act of faith. When we recall God’s past faithfulness, we’re not just reminiscing. We’re actively building our faith for the challenges we face today. Each memory of God’s work becomes a stone in the foundation of our trust in Him.
Your story is still being written. The God who parted the Jordan and felled the walls of Jericho is the same God who’s working in your life today. Your current challenge is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His faithfulness once again.
Godseekers, I challenge you today to remember. Recall the times when God has come through for you in the past. Let those memories strengthen your faith for the challenges you face today. Remember, you and God – you have history.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout history and in our personal lives. Forgive us for the times we’ve forgotten Your past miracles when facing new challenges. Help us to remember Your works, to recount Your faithfulness, and to face our “Jerichos” with the confidence that comes from knowing You’ve done the impossible before and You’ll do it again. Strengthen our faith as we recall Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What are some “stones of remembrance” in your life – times when God has clearly demonstrated His faithfulness to you?
- How can recalling these past experiences of God’s faithfulness help you face the challenges you’re dealing with today?
Step of Faith
This week, create your own “memorial stones.” Write down 5-7 significant times when God has shown His faithfulness in your life. Keep this list where you can see it daily. Each time you face a challenge or doubt this week, read through your list and remind yourself: “We have history. God has been faithful before; He’ll be faithful again.”
