Devotionals

Remember the Former Things

by Tracy Nunes 
11/30/20
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

It was a message to a believing friend in Israel going through tremendous struggles.  Struggles with opposition and great spiritual warfare.  As I typed the words, the Lord brought to mind conversations that she and I had years ago.  I remembered a Hebrew name that she called me because of something God had done in my life: Yonit – the female version of Jonah, meaning Dove. I also remembered things she had told me about unbelieving family members for whom she was fervently praying.

I reminded her of these things even as God was reminding me.  After finishing the message, I went to reread the account of Jonah. The Spirit opened my eyes and I saw things in each line that I had never noticed before.  It began a deep and rewarding study that God used to touch new places in my heart and spirit.

And my words to her, during great fatigue, pain, and spiritual warfare, right in the heart of Israel, reminded her that she was there for such a time as this.  That God had brought her back to the land for this purpose: to be a light unto salvation. She hadn’t forgotten who she was but like Elijah under the broom tree, she needed refreshing.

Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things long past,
            For I am God, and there is no other;
            I am God, and there is no one like Me,

      Declaring the end from the beginning,
            And from ancient times things which have not been done,
            Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
            And I will accomplish all My good pleasure. (NASB)

These verses in Isaiah remind us to recall what the Lord has already done in history.  It’s also good to remember what He has done in our own lives.  To recall times past when He healed, saved, and strengthened us in battle. To remember that His promises never fail. 

In one way or another, there is danger all about us in these extraordinary times.  We must remember the former things that He has said and done and the Holy Spirit will use it to guide us through whatever lies ahead.