January 17 - Forgive and Remember

 Read today’s texts first: Genesis 42 & 43; Psalms 5; Luke 17

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Some say we should forgive and forget,
but God says to forgive and remember
with a brand new outlook – His!

We often hear that the highest virtue is to forgive and forget.  The truth is we seldom do forget injustices and just saying it is not going to erase the painful memories.  It is better to completely change your outlook and remember the “good” that has come out of the unavoidable “bad.”

We know that sometimes bad things happen to good people.  We know it from experience, not just because we read the book.  I have learned so much by following the story of Bethany Hamilton, who recently came in second on The Amazing Race.  At age 13, when she was a surfing champion beating women twice her age, she was attacked by a tiger shark, losing her left arm in the exchange.  Her faith throughout the ordeal has been remarkable.  She is often quoted as saying, “this is God’s plan and I’m going to go with it”.  Go with it she has: to every talk show on TV, to countless magazines, to many nations with World vision, talking to other children and adults with and without disabilities about her hope in Christ.  A recent book on her life and the movie “Soul Surfer” takes that message even further.  Losing an arm has extended her reach to help so many more people than she could ever have before the accident.

Joseph had a similar experience.  Forgiveness is so much easier when you realize God can redeem any situation.  He remembered the real reason why his brothers sold him into slavery: “it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (45:6).  The fulfillment of the dream God had given him earlier had to take him through a deep well, slavery, and a stint in prison.  But in the end, God’s plan came together.

If we have given our lives to God, we can trust Him with every circumstance.  Even if someone wrongs us 7 times a day (Luke 17:4) we can still forgive and remember.  “Lord, when I suffer what I may think is an injustice by You or by those around me, help me to remember that this is Your plan and I’m going to go with it!”