Making Memorials — Testifying Fathers Love

Making Memorials Testifying Fathers Love

Many times in the Old Testament people would place stones as a memorial for posterity. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground as the priests stood holding the ark, a man from each tribe picked up a stone to be placed on the other side as an altar to the Lord. It would serve as a remembrance to them and those who came after them. “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying , ‘What mean ye by these stones?’ Then ye shall answer them…” — Joshua 4:6,7  We also see Jacob creating Bethel, an altar he built after wrestling with the Lord in Genesis 28.

These “piles of rocks,” or memorial stones, are extremely valuable in our lives. Now, of course, I’m not talking about real physical stones. I’m referring to those times when you have personally been touched by God or encountered Him in an amazing way.

It is normal to experience times of discouragement or difficulty and need some sort of stronghold or high place to run to. Creating such monuments along your life journey are very powerful. The Israelites did this a lot as they were wandering between Egypt and the Promised Land. They built memorials whenever they would have a close encounter with God. It reminded them that God had met them in the past, so He will meet them again in the present and the future.

I would suggest you keep a journal, with a list of these monuments. It is so easy to forget His goodness and all the things God has done for us when we are closed in by darkness and despair. Present trials and tribulations can keep us from living as overcomers.

One of my largest memorial stones is from the day before we were forced to leave the mission field. Every day I would go for a morning walk and I knew that this was possibly the very last walk I would ever take in the Dominican Republic. The following morning we would be leaving this country and everything with it behind and coming back to the States with no idea what the future held – no house, no job, no plans. As I walked, I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. I happened to look over towards the mountains and saw it was raining near the tops. Then I saw it —  a double rainbow, a sign of His promises. I knew right then and there God had created it just for me.  A solid firm “knowing” that He would be with me through this difficult season enveloped me and I was at peace.

You may be in a season right now that is hard, where you feel God is distant and His hand and blessings are so far away. Look back. Remember. Find those times where you know God was there, where He rescued you, where He upheld you with His mighty arm. Use these as memorial stones to encourage yourself — to know He has been faithful before and will do it again. And if you are in a good season and God is awesome today, pile up some rocks. You’ll need to remember this later on.