Don’t let your unanswered prayers eclipse your answered prayers

In today’s reading, I would like to present you with an encouragement and a caution: Don’t let unanswered prayers eclipse your answered prayers from God.

You have probably noticed in your Bible reading and study that the Scriptures are filled with rehearsals of what God has done in the past. From beginning to end in both the Old and New Testaments, the biblical writers spend time recalling and recounting the things that God did for His people. This practice of remembering is crucial because we always face situations where we want or need God to come through for us, and if we only focus on our present need, we can forget what He has done in our past.

Human nature is such that today’s needs can eclipse yesterday’s miracles. In John 6, Jesus fed a multitude of people with miraculously multiplying bread, yet the very next day, some of those same people who had feasted on the miracle bread began doubting Him, grumbling about Him, and ultimately left Him.

God has done some incredible things in our lives, and if we pause to remember what He did yesterday, it will bolster our faith today. We do need God to do new things in our lives, but it is healthy and anchoring for our soul to pause and say, “Wait a minute, let’s review. What did God do yesterday, last week, and in my childhood? He came through for me then, and since His character is consistent, I know He will come through for me again.” This practice of remembering gives us the faith and perseverance to hold steady as we await the things He still has yet to do.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)