"But as for you (Timothy), continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it." 2 Timothy 3:14.

The 'good old days' is an overused axiom that most of us are weary of hearing.  In many cases, the warmly reflected upon past was not nearly as grand in reality as the remembrance was depicted.  Yet, in the midst of today's troubles, any other time or place often seems to be 'greener pastures'.  Why is it that we humans so consistently ignore the past when a valuable lesson resides there, and long for a past that never really occurred?  Specifically in regards to our faith, how many of us can recall instances in which God has supernaturally answered our prayers?  Let's see those hands, hmmmm, it appears as though nearly everyone can intellectually recall God's faithfulness.  This is precisely what God tells us to remember in Deuteronomy 7:9;  "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands".  Why is it then, in the midst of trials and temptations, we so effortlessly forget our never-failing Lord?  Paul's instructions to Timothy tell us to continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of.  What we have learned is what we must use more often -- our 'faith memory'.

"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings,"  Psalm 63:6-7.  It is plain that David did not forget the Lord's faithfulness.  He had a very strong 'faith memory' to draw upon.  Why?  Look at what David does; he "thinks of (God) through the watches of the night".  David meditated upon God and His Word.  He reflects, in the quiet and contemplative evening hour, the prayers God has answered, the saving grace He has lovingly displayed, the patient love his Lord has shown in the past.  We need to do that too!  Pause for a moment and consider a loved one or a best friend.  If I were to ask you why they were so dear to you, you could probably recant a litany of past deeds from memory.  Isn't that what our Lord wants from us as well?  Can we so easily fail to see His touch in our lives?  Is our 'faith memory' so weak and faint that we fail to regard our Savior?  The Psalmist declares, "Remember the wonders He (God) has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced," Psalm 105:5.

Listen to Paul counseling the Corinthians to look back at Israel's past.  "He (God) has delivered us (past) from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us (future).  On Him we have set our hope," 2 Corinthians 1:10.  We learn further from Paul in Romans 8:24 that, "For in this hope (our future resurrection) we were saved.  But hope that is seen is no hope at all.  Who hopes for what he already has?"  Think very carefully about these words and apply them to the operation of your 'faith memory'.  We have seen God answer prayer.  Some have seen true miracles, healings and other supernatural answers from God.  These things have been seen.  If we have seen them, then we've no need to hope any longer; we can know for certain!  We have evidence!  'Who hopes for what he already has' said Paul.  We already possess the proof; our 'faith memory' has real miracle evincing data to back it up.  And yet doubt, sin and unbelief forever threaten the effectiveness of our 'faith memory'; it's a constant battle.  Please be careful and thoughtful here.  I am not talking about neglecting the use of one's faith, rather we need to remember our faith rests upon God, and He has proven Himself to us in the past.  Forgetting one's faith has happened to others in the past, and we must learn from them.

In 1 Corinthians, chapter 10, Paul cautions the church at Corinth that their faith in a living Savior must be remembered, even meditated upon, a la David.  Paul patiently reviews the tremendous miracles God utilized to deliver His chosen nation Israel: the guiding cloud, the pillar of fire, manna direct from Heaven and water from a rock.  Their natural physical senses were assailed with demonstrations of supernatural prowess.  But did they remember; was their 'faith memory' in action?  No!  The result:  "God was not pleased with them; their bodies were scattered over the desert,"  1 Corinthians 10:5.

In describing the gentiles as being 'grafted' into the family of God at the expense of the Israelites, Paul said, "They (the Jews) were broken off because of unbelief (no 'faith memory'), and you (gentile believers) stand by faith (and 'faith memory').  Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.  For if God did not spare the natural branches (the Jews), He will not spare you either," Romans 11:20-21.

In Psalm 78, Asaph instructs us on the importance of having 'faith memory' for the sake of future generations; ". . to teach their children, so the next generation would know them (God's commands and deeds), even the children yet to be born . . . then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds," Psalm 78:5-8.  This is critically important, because as we see later, the 'faith memory' of Israel failed to function.  "They did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by His Law.  They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them," (emphasis mine) vv. 10-11.

Difficult situations arise in our lives in which we desperately require a supernatural chunk of faith to sustain us for the moment.  Our spiritual foundation that has previously been established by our time in prayer and the Word is critical here.  The prayer of faith must be a spiritual discipline that is long established; those who panic have not prayed, but those who have prayed will not panic because they have established faith.  In addition, God has provided certain spiritual giftings which we are told to "eagerly desire", 1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1.  One of these giftings is the supernatural gift of faith, which is an extra measure of belief that is above and beyond our saving faith.  But those who neglect daily devotion to God are also not apt to pray for nor receive a special gifting of faith.  These people will often strain their physical resources in an effort to 'gin up' the supernatural feeling of faith.  I know this happens because I've done it.  I believe Jesus saw this 'feeling faith' displayed on many occasions in the actions of His disciples, and was the impetus for the words, "Oh you of little faith".

Faith is often a rare commodity.  We say we won't believe God until He gives us something, some proof, a blessing; and when He does it 'feels' good and we call it faith.  This is wrong!  This kind of faith is actually unbelief!  Having is not faith, believing is faith and trusting is faith.  The Spirit will provide you with the inexplicable 'knowing' of faith.  The best way to believe and have the faith of a mustard seed is to recall what God has already done for you.  Calm yourself and let the peace of God wash over you, then use your 'faith memory'.  Special faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit, but I believe the Spirit would have us remember that we can have faith even if we don't feel it.  We can remember our Lord's faithfulness of the past.  Many Psalms form a 'faith memory' model; let's look a just two in closing.

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds,"  Psalm 77:11-12.  "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done," Psalm 143:5.

Speak lovingly to your Savior; remember what He has saved you from and for.  A heart filled with thankfulness is one that remembers why thanks are given; they are an automatic after-effect of remembrance, they are 'faith memory' in action.

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Faith Memory

Remember When . . .

The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry

By Bro. Andy Madonio

December 16, 1996

Introduction:

I sometimes feel as though I just can't stand success.  There are times when I seem bent on snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, and the reason is due to a failing memory.

As disciples, we must possess and utilize faith.  What we so readily forget however, is that we have HAD faith in the past, and God blessed us big-time because of it.

The amnesiac Israelites are great poster children for forgetting faith.  In learning from them we must always remember never to forget!?  (Can that be done legally?)  Well, you get the gist of it.