Memory is a gift from God, isn't it? At 83, I find myself treasuring certain memories more than ever — the day I gave my life to Christ, the moment I knew God was calling me to ministry, the times He carried me through valleys I couldn't walk through alone.
Moses understood this. In Deuteronomy 8:2, he tells the people: "And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not."
Remember. That's what Moses kept saying to Israel. Remember the wilderness. Remember the manna. Remember how God provided when you had nothing.
I've learned something over these many years: God doesn't command us to remember because He thinks we have good memories. He commands it because we have such poor ones. We forget His faithfulness the moment a new trial appears. We forget yesterday's provision when today brings uncertainty.
The wilderness years weren't wasted years for Israel. God was teaching them something more valuable than shortcuts — He was teaching them dependence. He fed them manna daily so they'd learn to trust Him daily. Not monthly. Not yearly. Daily.
This morning when I had breakfast, I paused to remember — God has fed me every single day of my life. Not always with abundance. Sometimes with just enough. But always with exactly what I needed.
That's what Deuteronomy is really about. It's Moses helping people remember before they step into something new. Before they cross over. Before they face battles they've never fought. He's saying: look back at God's faithfulness so you can walk forward with courage.
Maybe you're in a wilderness season right now. Maybe you're wondering if God sees you, if He cares, if He'll provide. Let me tell you what Moses told Israel: the wilderness isn't punishment. It's preparation. God is teaching your heart to trust Him in ways the easy seasons never could.
Take a moment today. Remember one specific way God provided for you — last week, last year, ten years ago. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Let that memory become an anchor when the next storm comes.
Because it will come. But so will His faithfulness. Again.
Deuteronomy 8:2, NKJV