DAY 7

THE GOODNESS OF GOD

NIKKI CATHERINCCHIA, TEACHING PASTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH

We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, “What do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them, “They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.” These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever. Joshua 4:6–7

I am a self-proclaimed history nerd. I am a book reading, documentary watching, museum going nerd. But more than a lover of facts, I love stories. The first time I sailed into New York Harbor and gazed upon the Statue of Liberty, I cried. My tears were in remembrance of my four grandparents who between 1939 and 1951 stood on ships staring in awe at Lady Liberty, as they arrived in what would become their new home. They left behind their country of Italy, their family, friends, language, and way of life to create a better future here in America. The sacrifices they made for the life I now live has never been lost on me. As I walked through the empty halls of Ellis Island, once overflowing with the masses, it was the stories that echoed. Looking at the faces now on display as historical remembrance, I recognized that behind every face is a story, a story of freedom.

Throughout my childhood, it was around the kitchen table that my grandparents told me and my cousins about their story. With a plate of pasta and after dinner espresso, I learned not only my lineage, but also what it truly means to be an Italian American. I can still smell my Nona Dora’s cooking, and hear my Grandpa Cesare’s thick Italian accent as he said, “Thanks to God. Look at the family He has given me.” My grandfather, a poor farm boy from nowhere in Italy, knew the source of his greatest blessing. In spite of sacrifices and difficulties, his family’s triumph and the life they created in America was a gift from God. Who would have ever thought that an unassuming kitchen table could become a sacred place of remembering the goodness of God?

This concept of knowing your history and remembering God’s goodness is nothing new. It has been practiced for thousands of years. Throughout the pages of Scripture we see God’s people creating physical, tangible remembrances to God's faithfulness. Jacob laid a stone of remembrance in Bethel after his dream of the ladder reaching heaven. It had been a place where God had revealed Himself and promised His presence. Jacob never wanted to forget. As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground Joshua commanded that 12 stones, one for each tribe of Israel, be laid. This was so that every generation moving forward would always remember God’s faithfulness to do the impossible. Joshua never wanted to forget. When God gave Israel victory over the larger and stronger Philistine army, Samuel the prophet set up the Ebenezer stone as a remembrance, a physical representation that the God who sees is also the God who helps His people. Samuel never wanted to forget. Passover is a time to remember how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. The Feast of Booths is a celebration to remember how God provided for His people as they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. So that the people of God would never forget. The Lord’s Supper, which we still participate in today, is a sacred sacrament of remembering what Jesus Christ did. That while we were still sinners He died for us. His sacrifice was given so that we might know the love of God. So that we might never forget!

In each of these stories, in each of these acts of remembrance, God reminds us of our collective history. We are a people who have been on the receiving end of the goodness of God from the onset of human history. His faithfulness has followed humanity in every generation. His grace is available to anyone who would dare to take the greatest adventure of this lifetime: following Him. This is our history, may we never forget! As someone who journals prayers, my journals have become my stones of remembrance. I trace the handprint of God’s goodness and faithfulness all throughout my life on every page written. When I was lost, He was there. In my brokenness, He was there. In my doubt, uncertainty, and victories, He was there. He collected my tears, comforted me, carried me, cheered me on, celebrated with me, and led me in every season. Remembering, I declare that all my life God has been faithful. His goodness has surrounded me. This is my history and I never want to forget it. Around a table with my children and future grandchildren, God willing, this is the story I will share, so we will always remember who we are and who our God is.

Today as you pray, lay your stones of remembrance. Look back and reflect. How have you experienced the goodness of God? Where can you trace His handprint? If you look, you will find it. And once you do, you will never want to forget. In the remembrance, you too will proclaim the goodness of God.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of remembering. Just as You gave Your people stones of remembrance throughout Scripture, remind us to see the ways You have worked in our lives. Help us never to forget that it is Your hand that has carried us, sustained us, and blessed us in every season. Give us hearts that trust You in times of trial and rejoice in times of victory. May our lives always point others to Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.