Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” – I Samuel 7:12

 

REFERENCE
I Samuel 7:5-12

 

We see in this account of scripture how the Israelites, in trying to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives, consecrated themselves and sought His face for the next phase. Then the Philistines came to resist their advancement, making it difficult for them to achieve their objective.

Don’t think the enemy will be happy whenever you make a commitment to fulfill God’s will for your life; he will raise all kinds of distractions. In this case, he employed all manner of weapons – rumors, counter rumors, talks, fears, threats, etc., against them.

The Israelites were not prepared for war, so they cried to the Lord for help, because they realized that deliverance is only in God and they had no power to save themselves! As though their prayers were not answered, the Philistines drew near to swallow them up. Just imagine praying and hoping that things will change, but the enemy still advances.

However, the Lord thundered and by His timely intervention the enemy was overcome. After God gave Israel victory over the Philistines, Samuel was careful to keep Israel from gloating over such a victory; he set up a memorial stone, Ebenezer (the stone of help), that they might not forget that the triumph was gained through the help of God.

The stone, more than reminding Israel of God’s past help, was to remind them, that they should still depend on God for future help.

Today, you too can look at your triumphs in the past and set them as memorials of God’s help to you. So, no matter what force seems to be advancing against you, remind yourself that because God helped you in the past, He is also able to help you today and in the future. Be confident in His help!

 

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 115:9-11 & Acts 26:22.

 

PRAYER POINTS
+ Thank God for bringing you thus far in life; for being your help in times past and for being your present help.
+ By faith, hand all your battles over to God and trust Him for timely victory.