Momentum (Christ – centred, Spirit – empowered, Mission – focused)
Several months ago, my mom gave me a little box containing a number of items that were precious to my father. As I opened the box, my mind was flooded with pictures and memories of my dad.
I was reminded of his vision, passion, and courage. I held one of his rings and remembered how he proudly displayed it on his hand. The letter “B” for Bill was boldly embossed on the sapphire foundation. I admired the watch that once adorned his wrist.
These simple artifacts were a powerful reminder of the heroic leader I called “dad.” I took the little box home with me and placed it in a special container that looks like a treasure chest.
One day my grandson, Jordan, noticed the special box and asked me about its contents. I took it down and opened it. His eyes widened as I spilled the precious items on the ground in front of him.
As he touched each item, I told him about my father who went to be with Jesus. Each story seemed to build his faith and stir his courage. He was hearing the marvellous works of my father and was embracing a little more of his family legacy.
Stories of God’s supernatural intervention bring courage. A profound part of the biblical Jewish culture was shaped by the command to keep the testimonies of the Lord.
To ensure they did not forget God’s amazing acts, they built monuments to remind them of God’s provision.
When Samuel led Israel in a great victory over the Philistines, he erected a pile stones and called it “Ebenezer” saying, “Thus far God has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).
When Israel crossed over the Jordan River, they piled stones to mark the place where God had miraculously intervened (Joshua 4:4-7).
Such markers were designed to pass courage and faith onto the next generation. When the children would ask, “Hey dad, why is that pile of stones there?” He would respond with the story of how God worked among them.
Bill Johnson states, “The testimony of God creates an appetite for more of the activity of God.”
Recalling the miraculous acts of our mighty God unleashes courage to risk all for God’s kingdom. One of the things I discovered in my father’s box of treasures was his old wedding ring.
My ring was recently stolen, so I decided to take my father’s ring as a replacement. It has become more than a ring—it is a monument, my “Ebenezer.” I smile every time I see it, and it reminds me of my dad’s fire for the Kingdom.
May God enable us to recall and celebrate the monuments of His amazing power in our lives.
May our eyes widen with wonder as we feast upon the precious gems of God’s deliverance and embrace our heritage more fully. We might be surprise by the surge of optimism and courage that invades our world.
Please find the original version in C&MA website