Page 28 - June 2015 Catalyst

the power of spiritual MeMorials
The answer surprised me that day as I sat in a seminary class. A well- known evangelist was on campus as a guest lecturer. Toward the end of his presentation, a student asked, “What is the key to knowing God’s will?” I expected the usual response outlining the necessary convergence of God’s word, wise counsel, and the peace of the Holy Spirit. However, in this moment this Christian leader introduced me to a thought that has stayed with me over these many years. He replied boldly, “Learn to trust your great moments.” The evangelist went on to explain that God is always active in our lives and works in and around us for specific pur- poses. His purposes can be traced from the past, embraced in the present, and trusted in the future. Our problem is that we easily forget the great moments of His work in our lives. This is one rea- son we should journal in order to cap- ture, clarify, and count on those lessons when we face a crossroads of decision. I have noted in other devotionals that during biblical history the Lord com- manded His people to remember His exploits and never forget His lessons. To reinforce their memory and obedi- ence, God instituted “memorials” such as the Passover, the 12 stones at the Jordan River, and even the feasts. Je- sus instituted the Lord’s Supper so that we would remember and trust the great truths of our salvation.
are at a crossroads of decision so often infused with risk, emotion, and sub- stantial consequences. These decision points might come when you are sens- ing a call to a new dimension of service. They might arise when you are facing persecution or criticism for your faith. It might be a crossroads of a decision that requires great sacrifice personally, financially, or for your family.
Recently, I heard an insightful message about the familiar account of David ris- ing to the occasion to challenge and slay Goliath. Israel was at a crossroads and the name of the Lord was on the line. Within the story, David confronted Goliath with this profoundly bold dec- laration:
“I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philis- tines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
David’s courage was in radical contrast to the spiritual apathy, fear, and inac- tion of the armies of Israel, who for forty days, morning and evening, were
Trusting your great moments, and ul- timately your great God, is never more important than in those times when you
a story of contrasts
trust at the crossroads
28 CityLight.org
June 2015