Ebenezer

Ebenezer

Hook
There are moments when life makes us realize that we could not have made it this far by ourselves. When you look back, you may discover that what you called “luck,” “strength,” or “favour” was actually God helping you.

Scripture

“Samuel took a single rock and set it upright between Mizpah and Shen. He named it ‘Ebenezer’ (Rock of Help), saying, ‘This marks the place where GOD helped us.’”(1 Samuel 7:12)

Explanation
Samuel raised a stone and called it Ebenezer — the Rock of Help. It was a physical reminder of a spiritual reality: God had helped them.

Sometimes we are so focused on where we are going that we forget to remember where God has brought us from.

The Psalmist puts it beautifully:

“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake.”(Psalm 46:1–2)

Our confidence is not that storms will never come. Our confidence is that God is our help when they come.

Application
You may be standing at your own “Red Sea,” facing a storm, a difficult decision, an uncertain future, or a situation that seems to spell doom.

Remember your Ebenezer.

God is not merely the God who helped you yesterday. He is your present help today.

Don't face tomorrow depending only on your ability. Don't let the size of the storm make you forget the size of your God.

Look back and remember: “This marks the place where God helped me.”

And if He helped you then, you can trust Him now.

Reflection
What would change in your life if you truly became convinced that God is your Ebenezer — your Rock of Help?

The Psalmist says we can stand fearless even at the cliff-edge of doom and courageous in the midst of storms and earthquakes.

Not because there is no danger, but because God is with us in the danger.

Prayer
Lord, help me to know You as my Ebenezer, my Rock of Help. When storms come and situations look hopeless, remind me of the times You have helped me before. Let my confidence rest not in my strength, but in You. Amen.

Discussion Question
Can you identify a moment in your life when you can say, “This marks the place where God helped me”?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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