COLUMN: History has always been my favorite

Published 7:30 am Saturday, June 28, 2025

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

History has always fascinated me.

Rev. Travis Day

There’s so much to learn from it. When I read about world wars, I see tragedy and death—but also the bravery of men like my grandfather, who fought for peace. When I think of the Old West, I imagine the grit it took to survive, and sometimes picture myself riding into town, guns blazing to save the day.

But the most meaningful history I know is my history with the Lord.

In that story, Jesus has always been the hero—always showing up, always saving the day, always right on time.

When I stand before our church to preach, people see their pastor. But I see the man God had to redeem. When I sing of His faithfulness behind a piano, people hear a gospel singer. I see the man who had to live those lyrics in real time.

When I think of 2020, I remember the pandemic, lockdowns, and chaos—but my most painful moment wasn’t global. It was deeply personal.

October 6, 2020—the day my precious son went to be with Jesus. My pride and joy. My little hero.

Zoomed in, that moment nearly broke me.

But zoomed out, my history with Jesus reminded me: God is good even when life is not.

That history wasn’t just forged in pulpits—it was shaped in pain, grief, and moments so heavy I didn’t think I could stand. But in those moments, He whispered peace. He showed up. He carried me.

I hold tight to David’s words in Psalm 27:13:

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Even in heartache, it still makes perfect sense to sing: All my life, You have been faithful. All my life, You have been so, so good. I have lived in the goodness of God.

— Rev. Travis Day is the senior pastor of Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle. He can be reached at teerav83@gmail.com.