AUGUST 1
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” (Job 19:25)
My wife and I often remember our wedding anniversaries in different ways. What I recall as an awesome, romantic time to celebrate how long we’ve been together, she sees as a milestone of God’s faithfulness in keeping us together another year. We do agree, however, that anniversaries are important times of remembrance.
“We remember” is also a phrase I see frequently with pictures posted by people on the anniversary of 9/11 or on 4/19 here in Oklahoma. It’s a way to honor those loved ones we lost, the first responders who served fearlessly, and those who gave to help rebuild. Many are tempted to focus on remembering the negative—the senseless violence of such attacks.
But others, with a different filter, are able to find the good in their memories of those events. They recall the selfless sacrifices made by numerous men and women, the unity and faith of our nation, and the generosity of support and resources to facilitate healing.
From my experience, how you remember something usually depends on what you believe about God. While we’re tempted to allow our fear, confusion, and anger to consume us, if we focus on God’s sovereignty, then we know that there’s more than what we experienced or what we remember. Our God redeems even our greatest losses and most painful disappointments.
Power Lift
Thank you, Lord, for the way you transform the trials in my life into your trophies. Even though I can’t always understand, I know that you are at work for my good.
Groeschel, Craig. Daily Power: 365 Days of Fuel for Your Soul. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017. Print.