And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. | ||
| 1 Samuel 7:11-12 | ||
| Ebenezer means “stone of help.” In setting up this stone, Samuel was saying, “Up to this point, the Lord has helped us.” Why is this important to do? Because sometimes we think, “Oh, no. Things will never work out. My marriage is on the rocks. My finances are down the drain. Everything looks grim.” What we need in times like this is an “Ebenezer stone,” which reminds us that God has never failed us, that what we fear doesn’t come to pass. Yes, there are definite challenges that come our way - but in those challenges, God always shows Himself strong. He’s always there for us. I have found journaling to be a wonderful “Ebenezer stone.” Reading through my journals, I am reminded again and again that God has never let me down in the past, which gives me confidence that He won’t let me down in the future. Whether through journaling or songwriting, letters or pictures, I encourage you to put your own “Ebenezer stone” in place, where you can be reminded of God’s faithfulness in the past, draw strength for the present, and hope for the future. Pastor Jon Courson | ||
