Remember the Alamo

On this day in 1836 the Texans lost the battle of the Alamo. However, it was the remembrance of that loss that spurred them on to eventual victory over Mexico. Sam Houston's army echoed their battle cry, "Remember the Alamo!" as they secured the final victory at San Jacinto. The valiant effort and great sacrifice of the fighting men at the Alamo had become the motivation for the struggle that led to victory.

As Christians we have an Alamo experience to remember as well. In our case the enemy was defeated in our life's Alamo but did not become inactive. It is our memory of the victory that enables us to continue the enemy's defeat every day.

David shares the action of the victory that each person who has become a believer has experienced. In Psalm 40:1-3 we see the record. Our situation like David's is described as being in a "horrible pit" and "miry clay." The reference is to a pit that was used to capture wild animals. Having fallen into the pit they would try to climb out only to slide back down its walls of slippery clay. Their cry of desperation could be heard constantly. That pit in our experience is the pit of sin that causes us to slip further and further into its black hole with every attempt to escape. It is only when we cry out to the Lord that we are rescued.

Our rescue from the pit of sin involves three actions by the Lord. David said that when God heard his cry and brought him up He "set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He put a new song in my mouth..." Every person who truly calls upon the Lord from the pit of sin experiences the same rescue. God give us the new foundation for life which is the Rock, Christ Jesus. He then provides direction for life in the person of the Holy Spirit. The transformation we experience results in a new song, a testimony of praise and thankfulness that draws others to place their trust in the Lord as well. Remember the Alamo of your spiritual life. It should spur you on to continued victory of the enemy and draw others to join you in the family of God. If you haven't had an Alamo experience, don't delay. God is waiting for your cry today.