How Memories Reveal God’s Work in Our Lives

There are moments in life that quietly pull us down Memory Lane, sometimes without warning. Over the past few weeks, I found myself on that road while searching for a single photo. That simple task opened the door to a flood of moments and messages from the past. I found photos and old conversations from my undergraduate, graduate, and law school years. I even found notes from the season when I was considering medical school. That was a journey all by itself.

I also came across messages with friends dating back to 2001, many of whom are still in my life today. Seeing the fun moments, the dreams, and the milestones made me smile as I thought about how far we have come and how much is still ahead.

I found the same to be true with my family. Messages from my law school years and my internships in Trinidad and Italy revealed snapshots of who I was becoming. Little glimpses of my past showed how God was gently shaping my future long before I realized it.

Then I found something even more powerful. Evidence of prayers that had been answered. At the time those prayers were written, there was no proof that anything would work out. I remember the fear. I remember the uncertainty. Yet I continued to push toward what I believed was best for me. And now on the other side, I can see how God moved.

Yes, there were sad memories too, but even through those, I could trace the goodness and grace of God over my life from 2001 until this very moment. It reminded me of what Paul wrote in Philippians 1 verse 6 that God began a good work in me and He will carry it on to completion.

This exercise reminded me that in those earlier seasons, I had no idea when or how God was going to answer my prayers. But He did. And everything unfolded at the right time.

That truth came full circle when my mother sent me Isaiah 60:22. It was the gentle reminder I needed. Even now, as I bring new requests before God and sit in another season of waiting and uncertainty, that scripture brings peace. When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.

I can look forward in confidence knowing that He has started a good work in me and He will complete it, as Philippians 1:6 says. My past is evidence of His hand at work. Every prayer answered, every closed door, every open door, every season of stretching shows that He was completing the work even when I could not see it. Because of that, I can trust my future knowing that my steps are ordered. Psalm 37:23 says the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. And I know He will finish what He started.

So I can rejoice knowing that everything God has placed on my heart will be accomplished. I can rest in His love, knowing He has great plans for me, and I can trust His hands and praise Him for every victory that will come. And I pray that you do the same. Take the time and look back at the hand of God over your life. Then consider what He has promised you and hold on to those promises knowing that the One who started the good work will complete it. It may not be in your time, but in His time it will come to pass.