Lupines en route to Rogers Peak in Death Valley National Park, California
There is something about us remembering what God has done that is irresistible to God. There is something in our remembering that brings God into the situation we find ourselves in.
Last summer I was high in a mountain pass when a thunderstorm rolled in. That happens in the mountains. But we were rightly nervous about being struck by lightning, so we ducked into shelters beneath and between boulders in a rockfield.
Hiding between the boulders in Mono Pass
In that situation, we all were reminded of a very different, but very similar, situation on our first 14er in Colorado, when, just as we reached the highest point on the North American Continental Divide, the thunder began to rumble. We were the highest thing for miles. But God took care of us, and while we got wet, we did not get struck by lightning.
Lake Chihuahua from Grays Peak, Colorado
Many years ago, our plans of hiking Rocky Mountain National Park were derailed by an early season snowstorm. After spending a few days sloshing through snow above Colorado Springs, we gave up and one of my group members had the (Divine) idea to drive over to Canyonlands National Park. The lack of snow and cold were an answer to prayer, and Chesler Park was so beautiful!
Snow makes the trail difficult, but the mountains beautiful – Raspberry Mountain Trail overlooking Pike’s Peak, Colorado
More recently, when the weather just isn’t cooperating, I remembered the above event and how God took us from disaster to epic success in that situation.
Remembering brings comfort; no doubt about it. It gives me faith that God will pull through again.
Bowtie Arch near Moab, Utah
But remembering also draws God into the situation. We see this in the Old Testament; so often when someone is praying or in the Psalms, they will remind God of what He has done: how He led the Israelites out of Egypt, drove out the inhabitants of Canaan, did miracles in the desert, etc.
Bridal Veil Falls from Artist Point in Yosemite National Park, California
This recitation of history isn’t just to build faith, nor is it to say, God, You did this, so now You won’t abandon us. It is all that, but it is also more than that.
Remembering what God has done is a weapon.
One of the Chain Lakes in the Mt. Baker Wilderness of Washington
Remembering the testimonies of what God has done – for yourself or for others – silences the voices that say that God won’t come through. Remembering victories past prepares the way for victories future.
Hidden Valley near Moab, Utah
I have also found that God finds the memory of these victories an irresistible draw to come and intervene again. Not necessarily in the same identical way – at times, we have had fun in the snow and made it up the mountain regardless of the snowpack, other times, we have gone to a different place that didn’t have snow, just for example – but remembering is an irresistible draw to God to come and be active and powerful again in the situations of those who remember His acts – both in the wilderness and in our everyday lives.
