Remind Him

12 But you promised me, ‘I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count’” (Gen. 32:12).

Have you ever reminded God of His promises?

Jacob did so when preparing to face his brother Esau. Fearing for his life and the lives of his family, he reminded God of His promises.

This seems bold to me —

To ‘REMIND GOD’ — as if He forgets?

But when faced with an enemy, there really are only two things one can do:

1) Be strong and courageous…

2) Or flee!

Jacob demonstrated strength and courage by claiming what had already been promised. This “reminder” was his way of saying,

“God, I trust you to keep Your word — even in the face of my enemy.”

I’m NOT bold. Far from it, in fact. But today, I recalled a time when I spoke boldly to the One I believed would help me as I faced enemies.

And strength and courage grew as I reminded Him of His promises.

In May 1996, God used an earlier Genesis passage to speak very directly to my heart regarding my desire to be a momma.

“By this time next year, Sarah will give you a son…” (Gen. 18:10)

This was one of many gracious confirmations from God’s Word, collected over several years, promising us a child.

When the following May (1997) came and went with no child or sign of pregnancy, I faced enemies… Fear. Hopelessness. Despair.

But God, in His goodness, reminded ME that I had a weapon —

The Sword of HIS Spirit!

And as I claimed His truths, the battle became the Lord’s. In boldness, I claimed His promises which had specifically been given to me over years and years.

Yes, I reminded God of His promises.

Though a baby didn’t come immediately, foes — Fear and Despair — retreated and were replaced with friends — Peace and Joy.

At the appointed time within that same year, a girl named Cindy Abrams gave us a son.

When I learned that our firstborn, Dorian Samuel, had been conceived in May 1997,  I knew that God had been and would always be faithful to His promises — to me and to each of His precious children.

What promise(s) has God given you, even if yet unfulfilled? Have you reminded Him lately?