By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Researchers at the Stirling University in Scotland found that bumps on the head with a soccer ball, which is common in this sport, can cause memory loss of between 41% and 67% up to 24 hours afterwards.

In our lives, we experience breakthroughs and miracles from God. We even thank Him for it. However, when we experience a "bump" in the form of a new challenge (finances, health, relationships, work-wise), we often become like the football players with "amnesia". We focus so much on the challenge that we forget about what God did for us in the past.

God knew our people could easily lead to "amnesia". That is why he ordered the Israelites repeatedly to erect an altar or monument after a breakthrough. Apart from reminding them about what He did, it definitely also strengthened their faith when new challenges presented themselves.

In Exodus 17, we read of Israel's battle against the Amalekites. Moses had to keep his arms in the air for the Israelites to win the battle. They won. In Exodus 17:15 we read: "Moses built an altar and called it: ‘The Lord gave me the victory.’” Noah built an altar after they walked out of the ark onto dry land. Joshua built an altar when they entered the Promised Land. Gideon built an altar (Judges 6: 26-27). Also Samuel (1 Sam 14:25), Saul (1 Samuel 15:35), David (2 Samuel 24: 18-19) and Elijah (1 Kings 18: 31-32). Every time the altar represented what God had done.

In Psalm 77: 12,14 we read: “I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. . . Who is so great a God as our God?  You are the God who does wonders. . .”

What "bump" have you experienced lately? Are you suffering from "amnesia" or do you look back and remember all the previous breakthroughs? Can you remember the previous financial breakthrough God gave you? Can you remember the healed relationships? Can you remember the disease He healed you from or the breakthrough only He could give you? Let's look past the challenge and focus once again on God. He never changes. If a challenge arises, we can know that the answer is on its way too! God bless.

Father God, thank you for every breakthrough and miracle I have experienced.  Help me to look past my challenges and instead focus on You. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-37714830

Assignment for the day: Get a pen and paper and make a list of breakthroughs or miracles you and all your family have experienced. Next time you get a "bump", you can safely retrieve the list and remind yourself of who God is. He never changes.

Feedback: For feedback on the series or if you have a testimony to share about something God did in your life, please send me an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It's always nice to hear from readers. Benescke