**Remembering the Mighty Hand of God**

*“Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt.”* - Deuteronomy 7:18 (KJV)

Fear is a powerful emotion. It can grip our hearts and cloud our minds to prevent us from seeing the goodness of God in our circumstances. The context of Deuteronomy 7 is particularly poignant as the Israelites stood at the threshold of the Promised Land. God was giving them guidance as they faced formidable enemies and challenges ahead. In this verse, He instructs them not to be afraid but, instead, to remember the greatness of His past acts—the miraculous rescue from slavery in Egypt and the defeat of Pharaoh.

The command starts with, *“Thou shalt not be afraid of them.”* Fear can paralyze us. It can prevent us from stepping into our God-given destinies. Often, the mountains we face seem insurmountable. Whether it is a daunting task at work, a difficult relationship, or a personal crisis, it requires courage to confront our fears. But God, in His infinite wisdom, reminds us that when fear creeps in, we ought to look back.

*“But shalt well remember...”* Here lies the key to overcoming fear—remembrance. The Hebrew word for ‘remember’ often connotes a deep, faithful recall. It’s not a shallow nod to past events but a full-hearted acknowledgment of what God has done. For the Israelites, recalling the plagues that befell Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the guidance of the cloud by day and fire by night had to be a source of unbeatable strength and encouragement.

When we remember God’s past faithfulness, our fears are not merely diminished; they are cast aside. The act of remembrance functions as a powerful antidote to fear. How often do we forget God's faithfulness? Like the Israelites, we have a tendency to focus on our current fears rather than reflecting upon how God has delivered us in the past.

**God’s Deliverance from Pharaoh**

The mention of Pharaoh serves as a remarkable point of reference. Pharaoh embodied oppression, stubbornness, and overwhelming power. Yet, God’s hand was mightier. The Israelites witnessed firsthand the sovereignty of God as He unleashed plague after plague upon Egypt, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea. In Psalm 74:14, the psalmist sings of God’s victory over Leviathan, another symbol of chaos and fear. By remembering Pharaoh’s defeat, we are reminded that no power is too great for our God.

As we navigate our own fears today, what “Pharaohs” loom large in our lives? Perhaps it’s a sin that seems too binding, past hurts that threaten to re-emerge, or a health crisis that prompts panic. As God urged the Israelites to remember, so too must we reflect on God’s faithfulness in our lives.

**Actions to Remember**

In practical terms, how do we cultivate this remembrance? Here are a few steps:

1. **Journaling**: Write down instances where you experienced God’s faithfulness. Recall the challenges you faced and how God delivered you.

2. **Testimonies**: Share your stories with friends or in fellowship. Remembering collectively can bolster faith and quench fear.

3. **Scripture**: Meditate on past stories in the Bible where God delivered His people. Let those accounts inspire and embolden you to face your “Egypts.”

**Conclusion**

As the Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land, God reassured them of His past faithfulness, calling them to remember His mighty deeds. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, we must heed the same reminder. *Do not be afraid*, for He has shown His hand in our past. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let us face our fears with courage, fueled by the remembrance of His faithfulness. For in every trial, we have a testimony to declare. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

May we take heart as we reflect on His goodness and draw from it strength for our present and hope for our future.