by Rev Douglas Brauner

Looking back at God’s faithfulness changes the way we see the future.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

God calls us to remember the past, to recall where we’ve been.

“Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you.” 
Deuteronomy 15:15 New International Version

The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were slaves, not even a nation, when God called them, loved them, and released them from bondage. They were incapable of saving themselves, or of doing anything about their pathetic situation. In mercy, God freed them from their slavery, and brought them to the brink of a new land when Moses spoke these words:

“We are on the brink of a new land, a land that has been granted us through the mercy of God in his Son, Jesus Christ. God has released us from the bondage of sin, the power of Satan, and the fear of death.”

We are called to look back at what God has done for us.

However, it is not enough that we look back and see God’s faithfulness. Remembering God’s faithfulness calls us to look forward.

“Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him.”
Deuteronomy 8:6 New International Version

The power of remembering God’s faithfulness is seen in how we live today, and how we anticipate God working through us. The faithfulness of God empowers us to love him more than anything else. His faithfulness empowers us to forgive, show compassion, and care for those who are weak.

His love encourages us to see the future with new eyes. No matter what struggles we will face, God will use us to accomplish his desires for the future. In spite of sin, Satan, and death there is hope. A hope that is rooted in God’s faithfulness, and the promise of life with him for eternity.

Looking back at God’s faithfulness changes how we see our day unfolding. God has a surprise waiting for us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado