Remember When...

When I'm facing new challenges - which seems to happen fairly often - I find it helpful to remember, "remember when."  When I think of how God has met me, how He's answered prayers in the past - it gives me fresh courage to face these things now and in the future.

I remember when He healed me of rheumatic fever.

I remember when, as a 16 year old, He provided in so many ways for me to go on a Summer of Service YWAM outreach to Samoa.

I remember when God answered prayer and turned my dad's heart to Himself.  We were in Amsterdam at the time, and God used a letter I wrote to my dad in Texas to help turn his heart.  It was so special that I was a part of that happening.

I remember multiple times God protected our children when we lived in the red light district in Amsterdam.  And how he protected Floyd when his life was threatened several times because of our ministry there.

I remember how clearly He led us to move to South Africa, and provided for us - in a season when we never dreamed we'd be pioneering again so late in life.

I remember how I'm still alive with ovarian cancer contrary to what doctors expected.

Oh my - I remember soooo many things!  God has been so faithful to me and our family through the years.  I can see why God exhorted His people in the Bible to remember His great acts to them from times past.  It builds faith, and helps release fresh courage.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken."  Psalm 62:1,2

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you."  Isaiah 43:2

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  Psalm 42:5

And of course - I remember so very many times God met me and helped me during the 5+ years Floyd was in the hospital.  I couldn't have survived all that without God's daily help.  He has been so good and so faithful.  It's wonderful to remember.