Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, barely making it through the day, and then something happens that jolts you back to remembering how good God has been? Life has a way of making us forget. We get caught up in the day-to-day, and suddenly, it feels like everything is a struggle. Michael Walker’s message this past weekend, “Celebrating The Goodness and Faithfulness of God,” reminded us just how important it is to pause and remember the ways God has been faithful, especially in those tough moments.
One of the stories that stood out to me was from Joshua 4:1-7, when God instructed the Israelites to set up 12 stones from the Jordan River as a memorial to His faithfulness. These stones weren’t just decoration—they were reminders, so every time the Israelites saw them, they’d remember how God made a way for them. Can you imagine if every time something good happened in your life, you picked up a stone and added it to your pile? You’d probably have a mountain of them by now!
Here’s a fun thought: What if every time you faced a hard moment, you physically picked up a small stone or memento to remind you of how God helped you before? Pretty soon, you’d have your own mini mountain of reminders!
Michael shared how easily we forget God’s goodness, especially during trials. We’re quick to focus on the problem in front of us and lose sight of all the times God has come through in the past. But these “stones of memory” are so important—they help us look back and see God’s hand in every part of our story.
Michael also pointed out that it’s not just about remembering for ourselves, but for others, too. In Joshua 4:6-7, God tells the Israelites that when future generations ask about these stones, they’ll be able to share the story of how God made a way for them. It’s like God is saying, “Don’t let anyone forget what I’ve done!”
Can you think of moments in your life when God provided for you or guided you through something challenging? Have you shared those stories with others?
Michael’s story about Church in the City reminded me of this. He talked about how the church began in the least likely of places—a storefront on Colfax Avenue. God’s faithfulness was evident from the start, as He provided everything they needed in miraculous ways. From strangers volunteering their skills to unexpected donations, God’s hand was always present. That’s the kind of memory stone worth holding onto!
Take a moment to reflect: What’s one “stone of memory” you can set up today? Maybe it’s writing down a prayer God answered, or even sharing a testimony with someone who needs encouragement. Just like the Israelites, we need to keep these stories alive.
Let’s pray: Father, thank You for all the ways You have been faithful in my life. Help me to remember Your goodness, even when I am in the middle of a challenge. Show me how to set up reminders—stones of memory—that point to Your faithfulness, so I never forget how You’ve come through for me. Lord, I also pray for the boldness to share these stories with others, that they might be encouraged by Your work in my life. May I always keep these memories close and use them as fuel to trust You more in the future. Let me be a light to others, reminding them of Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
We need to set up “stones of memory” in our lives—reminders of God’s faithfulness—so that when the challenges come, we can look back and remember how He’s always made a way. And don’t forget—these stones aren’t just for us. They’re for those around us, so we can share how God has worked in our lives.
Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.