Psalm 78: 42 “They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe.”
The miraculous signs making possible their exodus from Egypt. The parting of the Red Sea. Water gushing from rocks and manna falling from the sky. The defeat of enemy after enemy. How could Israel ever forget the power of God? But the psalmist says they did.
I don’t think their forgetfulness was an Israel-problem. I think it was a human-problem. Scripture is replete with admonishments to remember what God has done. To recall what he has done in the world as well as in our own lives. If we forget his power, our prayers become little more than lip service, “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5).
Remembering the power of God replenishes our faith. Faith—even mustard-size faith—ignites the engine that gives us access to his power. It makes miracles happen, for “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Mark Batterson writes in The Circle Maker, “The greatest moments in life are the miraculous moments when human impotence and divine omnipotence intersect.” There is nothing too hard for God. He wants us to know that. To really know that. To know it so thoroughly that we don’t forget.
Friends, we are engaged in a great spiritual battle. Our Father has given us the privilege of fighting that battle with him. Our prayers make a difference in the outcome because he designed it that way. I was recently praying for someone whose situation seemed pretty desperate. But as I began to reflect on the power of God and pray accordingly, I experienced a great release of faith. When I remembered the power of God, I no longer felt hopeless. I started praying boldly for a miracle with a confidence I didn’t have before.
I’m not suggesting every time we remember the power of God we will experience a miracle. But I am saying if we do not remember we will miss opportunities to honor him and to impact the world for his glory.
Let’s not be like Israel. Let’s remember the power of God. Recall it. Rehearse it. Tell others about it. It’s too important to forget.