Do You Remember?

Almost everyone has heard the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Well, let me take you back in the story a little before their battle, such as it was!

David gets there just in time to see both armies line up for battle. Suddenly, Goliath comes out and begins his usual scoffing and laughing at the armies of Israel. David hears it, and sees the Israelites shrink back in fear. The men begin to talk about the rewards given to the man who defeats Goliath. David asks them to repeat the part about the rewards. David's older brother gets mad at David and tells him to go back where he came from. The King of Israel, Saul, hears about Davids questions, and sends for him. David tells the king to not worry, that he would go take care of this sorry dog that has ridiculed the armies of the Almighty God! King Saul tells David that he doesn't have what it takes to beat this giant, since Goliath has been a soldier since before David was born!

Here is where I want to make my point with this word ----
Suddenly David begins tell, or testify, about some of the victories he has had in his life. He tells him of a lion that came out and stole a lamb, how he rescued the lamb and killed the lion. He tells him of a bear that came out and stole a lamb, how he rescued the lamb and killed the bear. Then he tells him that this Philistine pig will be just like the lion and the bear!

What did David do? He remembered and testified about his previous victories! In Isaiah 46:9, in the Good News Bible, it says, "Remember what happened long ago; acknowledge that I alone am God and that there is no one else like me."

What am I trying to say to you? Remember your former victories!!!
In remembering them, it gives us the strength to continue to stand in the faith we are in! Rehearse them, tell them, testify of them. Bring them to your rememberance! There is strength, hope, joy, refreshing, renewed vision, in the remembering of our former victories, whether they are small or great!

I know, Philippians 3:13 says, "Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead." (from the Good News Bible) Paul is talking about all the things he thought were so important from before. He isn't talking about the victories Christ has worked in his life! He remembers the victories Christ has accomplished in him, just like we should! Even the children of Israel, in the Old Testament, set up memorial stones, to remind them what God had done for them! How about the song, "Look what the Lord has done!" That is remembering your former victories!

Don't let the victories in your life drift off and away, out of your mind and heart. Remember! Remember! Remember!

Remember your former victories!  So you can move with confidence to your future victories!