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Remember
In Joshua 3, God does something amazing for the people of Israel. They were stuck at the Jordan River, not knowing how they were going to enter the Promised Land. God was not stuck, however. He had a plan. He had the priests carrying the ark step into the water, and immediately the river stopped flowing and the ground dried up. All of Israel walked across the dry riverbed to continue on their journey. Before the priests left the river, however, God commanded that one person from each tribe of Israel pick up a stone from the middle of the river, which Joshua then set up at Gilgal. Why did God do this? His reason was so that His people would remember what He had done for them.
As humans, we are so prone to forget what God has done for us, but remembering is very important to God. He commands His people many times throughout Scripture to remember what He has done and to share it with the next generation so that all may praise His Holy Name. The past few weeks, God has had me doing some remembering. Each week as I go into churches or share with friends about my coming ministry to the Philippines, God causes me to remember what He has done in my life, which brings Him glory and also strengthens my relationship with Him and increases my faith in an ever faithful God.
God has reminded me:
- that He placed me in a Christian home with parents who encouraged me to pursue missions.
- that He has formed in me the desire to be a teacher from the time I was young.
- that He brought along the right people to let me know that there was such a thing as a missionary teacher.
- how He faithfully provided for past missions trips, allowing me opportunities to share the gospel with the nations.
- that He told me that He would use me wherever I go if I follow Him, teaching me that He wants my heart first and my actions will follow.
- how He faithfully carried me through the flood five years ago in Manila, reminding me that He is the Sovereign God.
- that He led me to Eagle Butte for this season and has strengthened and provided for me here.
I feel as though I could go on forever sharing all the wonderful things God has done to lead me to this place. As I remember what God has done, I am strengthened in my faith, knowing I serve a faithful God. This new task and new ministry is just another opportunity for God to do great things in my life – things I can remember and share with future generations, that they may also know my faithful God. Like Israel at the flooded River Jordan, I really have no idea how God is going to provide all that I need to be able to return to the Philippines. However, I know He is going to use people like you who will pray for me, encourage me and financially support me to help get me there. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share with you the wonderful things our God has done in my life. If you are interested in hearing my presentation, or think maybe your church would be willing to have me share, please let me know. I would love to share the vision and passion God has given me to teach missionary kids.
I know that the Lord will be glorified through this ministry of raising support as I remember what He has done and look forward to what He will do.
God Bless,
Amanda Benson
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