Mal 3 v 16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a Book of Remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. One way to be heard by God is to be a sociable person who speaks to others about Him. God pays attention to what IS said and He keeps a book of “Remembrance” of those conversations with other believers.
So how do we do this? What do we talk about?
Ps 105 v 1-5 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples. Ps 77 v 12 - “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” 1 Chron 16 v 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all His wonderful acts.
When God answers your prayers and doubts, HE will never tell you the future – He only gives you, His resume. I am the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob – I opened up the Red Sea, and I brought Israel into the promised land….
So, what has God done for you?
Do you even remember?
In times when life got hard, when I had backslidden and God seemed far off I started to make a list of God's Acts of Mercy... not to Israel... but to me personally.
You see, God found me in a world of hurt with life in chaos, addiction, divorce pending, and legal problems. He proved himself to me over and over and poured Grace and Peace into my life, and converted me in Oct 2000.
Everything I had lost in the previous 20 years running with the devil, was restored. I was privileged to serve a prison ministry for over 10 years. Finally, after 20 years alone, God found a Godly bride and we got married recently. So, I compiled a list –
It starts at age 9 when I got washed out to sea fishing on a deserted beach with only a younger brother to watch me go under the waves for the 3rd time. A jeep appeared out of nowhere and an adult waded in to rescue me. He left me vomiting on a beach and disappeared far down the beach. God saved my life before I knew of Him.
Manila – traveled to meet my future bride for the first time. Arrived at the hotel from the airport – only to find my wallet missing - no credit cards and no US dollars - no DL at the front desk. Instant tourist to a refugee. Panic. About 10 minutes later the taxi driver came looking for me… his next passenger found my wallet on the floor and it was all there. Nothing was missing. I thanked God for preserving that trip and met Jenith for the first time.
A month later I was back in Manila at a different hotel from the airport. This time I had lots of packages from Duty-Free for Jenith’s family and it was chaotic unloading suitcases on a busy street. The taxi left and inside the hotel – no wallet – no credit cards - no money. Hard to describe? Yes….this time the different taxi went back to the airport before finding my wallet. An hour later he returned…
I don’t know what the odds are… but in 30 years I have never lost my wallet even when so drunk I could not recall the night before. I think God was just telling me He had my back….in the small things.
After 20 years I could write a book of God’s answering prayer and other amazing “coincidences.” Co-incidence is not a “Kosher” word.
Now I face another trial – as a mortgage broker for 20 years – you all know what interest rates have done. Business is down 90%. It is no secret we are facing a global slowdown and I think this will be far worse than in 2008.
It is time to revisit that list of God’s Great mercies… remind God of all His faithfulness and Thank Him for all the times He Greatly intervened and brought me through.
Why don’t you take the time to make such a list of God's Great Acts of Mercy in Your life?
When the dark times come you may need reminding.