God Remembers
1 Corinthians 15:58
Finding Hope in His Faithfulness
As we approach the end of another year, it's natural to reflect on our lives and experiences. For some, this past year may have been filled with joyous milestones – a new degree, a job promotion, a wedding, or the purchase of a home. For others, it might have been marked by unexpected challenges – health crises, financial struggles, or the loss of a loved one. In the face of life's ups and downs, we often find ourselves asking a profound question: "Did God forget about me?"
The resounding answer to this question is a comforting "No." It's impossible for God to forget anything, especially those He loves. When the Bible speaks of God remembering, it doesn't imply that He had forgotten in the first place. Instead, it signifies God taking action to keep His promises. The Hebrew word "zakar" (to remember) in biblical context often means God's active engagement in rescuing, saving, redeeming, and keeping His people.
Consider the story of Noah during the great flood. As Noah and his family drifted in the ark, surrounded by chaos and uncertainty, Genesis 8:1 tells us, "God remembered Noah." This divine remembrance led to action – God sent a wind to recede the floodwaters, bringing salvation to Noah and his family.
Similarly, in Exodus, we see God remembering His covenant with the Israelites who were suffering under slavery in Egypt. Their cries reached heaven, and God's remembrance led to their deliverance. These stories aren't just ancient history; they're vivid illustrations of God's consistent character and His faithfulness to His promises.
But what about us today? How can we be assured that God remembers us in our current struggles and uncertainties? The answer lies in the greatest demonstration of God's remembrance – the coming of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, we see Zechariah and Mary praising God for remembering His people through the Messiah's arrival. Jesus' birth was the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people, the ultimate act of divine remembrance.
Through Christ, God not only remembers us but also chooses to "forget" our sins. This doesn't mean God has a lapse in memory, but rather that He chooses not to act against us because of our wrongdoings. In Christ, we find complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
As we navigate life's challenges, it's crucial to remember that God is aware of our immediate physical needs as well. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:25-33). This teaches us to trust in God's provision while focusing on seeking His kingdom.
But God's remembrance goes beyond just meeting our needs – He also remembers our deeds. Hebrews 6:10 assures us, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." This verse is a powerful reminder for those who feel unseen or under appreciated. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a ministry volunteer, or serving in any capacity, God sees and values your efforts.
The apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Our work for God is never wasted or forgotten. It may not always be easy, but it is always valuable in God's eyes.
As we look towards the future, we can draw strength from knowing that God remembers us. This truth should inspire us to respond with worship, gratitude, and obedience – just as Noah built an altar after the flood, and Moses led the Israelites in songs of praise after their deliverance.
To deepen our trust in God's remembrance, we can practice a simple yet powerful exercise: Read it, Write it, Pray it, Share it. This involves:
Reading God's Word, allowing Him to speak directly to us.
Writing down our thoughts and reflections, letting God shape our minds.
Praying about what we've read, sealing God's truth in our hearts.
Sharing these insights with others, allowing God's light to shine through us.
This practice can help us internalize God's promises and remind us of His faithfulness, especially during times of doubt or difficulty.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let's remember that our labor for the Lord is never in vain. Whether we're planting vineyards that we may never see bear fruit, or building houses we may never inhabit, our work has eternal value. God sees, remembers, and blesses both our labor and us as laborers.
In moments of uncertainty, when the future seems unclear or the past year has left us weary, let's hold fast to the truth that God remembers us. He knows our needs, sees our efforts, and is faithful to His promises. Our call is to trust Him, seek His kingdom first, and continue in the good works He has prepared for us.
As we move forward, may we be encouraged by the words of the psalmist: "The Lord remembers us and will bless us" (Psalm 115:12). Let this assurance be our anchor in times of doubt and our motivation to live faithfully for Him. For in every season, in every circumstance, God remembers you. You are not forgotten. You are seen, known, and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe.