On one of the roads I travel frequently, there is a historical marker. The spot had been a stagecoach stop long before the busy modern road was built.
Among all the traffic and surrounding buildings, it’s almost impossible to imagine what the area looked like in the 19th century when settlers descended the steps of a stagecoach. When I stop and think about it, I am amazed at how far we have come.
The Bible is full of stories of historical markers built to remember God’s goodness. In the Old Testament book of Joshua, God held back the waters of the Jordan River in order for the nation of Israel to cross. After everyone was safely on the other side, Joshua instructed twelve men to get stones from the middle of the Jordan and carry them to the shore. They placed them in the very spot where God had split the water and let the people cross to safety. They served as a memorial of the miracle they had just experienced.
Throughout our journey, it’s helpful for us to put physical memorials along the way that will help us remember where we once were and to see how far we have come. It might not be stones by the river. Maybe it can be a prayer journal or notes in a Bible to which we can look back and see what God has done.
Take the time to make memorials. When you get down or discouraged, look back and see how good God has been.
Lord, thank you for being so faithful and kind to me. I will look back and remember how good you have been. Amen.
Go Deeper — If you don’t have a prayer journal, consider starting one. Keep them and look back from time to time to see how far God has brought you.
Photo Credit: Scott Dukette