The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the LORD helped us.” —1 Samuel 7:11-12
The American painter, John Sargent, once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by critics. It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. And although he was offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it.
When asked why he would never sell this painting, Sargent said he considered it his best work and was very proud of it. So whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, “I painted that.” Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.
In the spiritual life, it’s important to set up milestones so you can remember where God has come through for you in the past. Maybe that means you start a journal so you can write down how God has blessed you, and then go back and read it. Or perhaps it means you take an old shoebox and put things in it that remind you of God’s faithful provision in your life.
However you do it, God’s blessings are worth being remembered so that you can move forward with full confidence in Him. So find a creative way to continually remember God’s faithfulness in your life. When you do, you’ll be ready to receive and recognize all the blessings He has yet to give you!
Prayer Challenge
Pray and ask God to bring to mind ways He’s blessed you in the past. Reflect on them and find ways to remember them often.
Questions for thought
Can you link a situation you’re currently experiencing to something God has shown you in the past? How does that affect your perception of the situation?
How can you encourage someone else today through your faith milestones?