In the movie “Finding Nemo” is the delightful character of
Dory. Dory is a comical Blue Tang Fish who suffers from a short term memory
disorder. Other fish are constantly re-introducing themselves to her, because
only moments after an initial introduction, she will completely have forgotten
that they have just met. Knowing some people who actually have short term
memory problems, this is quite humorous. Dory’s actions are an extreme
exaggeration of the real issues involved in short-term memory loss. She
provides an opportunity to laugh at some struggles we face each day.
Sometimes I wonder if I have a spiritual, short term memory
problems. How quickly I can forget all that God has done in my life. Over the years
there have been many great displays of God’s power and love to me. I try to
remember and be grateful for them, but at times I forget the everyday
blessings, both big and small that He provides. Scripture encourages us, “[Earnestly]
remember the marvelous deeds that He has done, His miracles and wonders, the
judgments and sentences which He pronounced [upon His enemies, as in Egypt].” (Psalm
105:5 AMP) A difficult time comes and I can forget just how mighty the God I
serve is and all that He has already done for me. “[Earnestly]
remember the former things, [which I did] of old; for I am God, and there is no
one else; I am God, and there is none like Me,” (Isaiah 46:9 AMP) We are wise to
recount God’s greatness and what He has done in our lives.
Despite
Dory’s inability to remember things, she continually keeps going by reminding
herself of her purpose. Her motto that she repeats over and over again is, “Just
keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” Whether it is to remind herself of her
purpose, or that she just likes the sound of her own voice, Dory continually
tells herself to keep on. Swimming is therefore something she does not ever
forget to do.
We can
follow Dory’s example. God has given us a great purpose on this earth.
Regardless of whether our day is going well or falling apart we can remind
ourselves to walk in this purpose one step at a time. Just keep praying,
praying, praying… Just keep trusting, trusting, trusting…Just keep obeying,
obeying, obeying… Just keep thanking, thanking, thanking… “And let us not lose heart and grow
weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the
appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and
faint.” (Galatians 6:9 AMP) Just
keep on and do not quit.
A time
comes in the movie when Dory must remember an important address. Nemo’s
life is at stake. To the surprise of everybody, including herself, she cries
out “P Sherman, 42 Wallaby
Way, Sydney.” Only seconds before she had no
recollection of what the address was. Trying with all her strength, she could
not remember. Then suddenly the address springs from her mouth.
Jesus
told his disciples that there would be times in the future when they would not
know what to say or how to respond in circumstances that they encountered. Like
the disciples, we are not to worry about what we will say at these times. “For the Holy Spirit will
teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.” (Luke 12:12 AMP) Jesus later
stresses that we must not attempt to preplan our own answers. “Resolve and settle it in your
minds not to meditate and prepare beforehand how you are to make your defense
and how you will answer. For I [Myself] will give you a mouth and such
utterance and wisdom that all of your foes combined will be unable to stand
against or refute.” (Luke
21:14-15 AMP) What comes out of our mouths will amaze all, especially us.
Who knew a little Blue Tang Fish with memory problems could
teach us so many lessons? We can see some of our weakness in this little
fish. Like Dory, we can overcome our tendencies to forget what God has done by
reminding ourselves to do what He has called us to do. We can also be confident
that as we follow Him, He will put the words in our mouths when they need to be
spoken. We have confidence that even when we are weak, He is strong in
us.
Just keep
on…
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