I love the story in Joshua 4 where God told the Israelite tribes to each take a stone as they passed through the Jordan. He told them to place these stones as a reminder so that when their children asked about them, they would remember the way God had been near them. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the way God has provided for us, the way He’s been near us, the way He’s been faithful over and over again. Our hearts are fickle and tend to panic when we find ourselves in yet another painful place even though He has NEVER forsaken us. So I’ve been thinking that maybe we need to start carrying around stones of remembrance. Whether you write them in a journal, or in the notes section of your phone, or maybe even write them on small rocks and keep them displayed in your house; I want to encourage you to start a list of your “stones” so that when your children or friends or family ask about the Hope they see in your life, you can share those moments where God has shown up every time for you. And as we walk through this unusual time, what better way to look back and see His provision woven throughout our story. Maybe some of my stones sound familiar to you too:

The time God calmed my worry over unknown finances

The time God met me in the middle of the night when I was up alone and scared of when “normal” would return

The time God comforted me in the midst of deep loneliness and isolation

The time God reassured me when I was afraid amidst the sickness and death throughout the world

The time God showed me His goodness when I was surrounded by a broken world

The time God proved His faithfulness to me once again by being so near while I was filled with hurt and sadness

The time God gave me hope to cling to through my losses, whether small or big

The time God gave me grace and patience to be the mama I needed to be through the isolation

The time God lifted my weary heart from the fatigue of long days and nights

God has drawn so near to me through this time and I’ve been overwhelmed with His faithfulness. That the God who was steadfast and true to His promises to the Israelites is the same God who is steadfast and true to His promises to me. He is the God of promises never broken, overwhelming grace, deep-welled comfort, unconditional love, and enduring faithfulness. He will show up for us every time. He will be near us always. He is our constant in a constantly changing world and we can look up to Him with hopeful eyes, and hearts overflowing, as we cling to our stones of remembrance and trust in Him always.

**if you would like to be a part of the stones of remembrance challenge, share your pictures of your rocks with the hashtag #LWpromiserocks I can’t wait to read through and be encouraged by His faithfulness in your life!**