March 27
Remember the Long Way

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 44:9-16 | Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20 | Luke 7:36-8:3 | Proverbs 12:1

Today’s Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 7-8

Remember the long way that the LORD your God has made you travel in the wilderness these past forty years, that He might test you by hardships to learn what was in your hearts: whether you would keep His commandments or not. (Deuteronomy 8:2 TNK)

Remember the long way—remember God’s work in your life over the years.  It’s so easy to get caught up with what we are doing—become too busy to even notice God’s work in our lives.  It’s easy when things get tough to forget all the ways that God has proved himself faithful over the years.

I remember the testimony of a second-generation missionary; she told how her mother had kept a journal of answered prayers from their time in Africa. Whenever times got difficult, the family would gather together and she would read the stories of God’s faithfulness. Remembering what God had done before, brought hope to press forward in the most difficult of present circumstances. It’s important to remember when we’re going through difficult times.

The people of Israel were warned of the complacency that could set in once they were settled in the land and began to enjoy their houses and things. This is a temptation that we are quite familiar with today as well. When things are going well, it is easy to forget that the source of all the blessings we enjoy is God. We do well to remember the way he provides “manna on the way,” how he gives us even “daily bread.” When things are going well, we dare not forget the faithfulness of God “on the long way.”

Whether this leg of the journey is easy or difficult, don’t forget the “long way.” Remember the numerous ways that God has helped you on the journey so far.  Let the thanksgiving that flows encourage you to move ahead to further adventures of his grace.