Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” – 1 Samuel 7:12
Close your eyes and allow your mind to wander for a moment. Let it wander back in time to the memories that you have been trying to bury and forget about. Let your mind go to the place or places where God pulled you out of the life you used to live. Then, so you don’t dwell on the past, praise God for saving you from that life.
The book of 1 Samuel gives us a redemptive story of the Israelite people. Chapter 7 is the turning point that signified a new resolve to live for God. At this time, Samuel (who was God’s appointed judge over Israel) led the people of God to a wondrous victory over the Philistines. Israel had just been delivered from a short era of chaos and confusion. The Philistines had a short-lived possession of the Ark of the Covenant; which contained and signified the favor and presence of God. In the minds of this enemy nation, if they had control over this artifact, then they displayed their god’s dominance over the God of Israel. This didn’t last long, because God punished Philistia. Along with this punishment, Samuel led God’s people to a decisive victory over the Philistines. Samuel then took a stone and made it a reminder of what God has done for His people and the love that He still has for Israel.
This is a great story, right? Yes, of course, but there is a slight danger when we apply it to our lives. I believe we are called to set up an Ebenezer in our own life where we can constantly be reminded of His faithfulness. The problem arises when we attach a chain to our Ebenezer and attempt to carry it with us. We have a past and we all have a testimony, but if we allow the remnants of this past life to continue to bring us down, then we are missing the point. God has cleansed us, not only of our sin, but also of our guilt when Jesus transforms our lives. Carrying the Ebenezer is God’s job. If we make it our job, temptation to return to it is not far behind. Praise God for His deliverance…then move forward. Document the story, but do not return to the battle.
Prayer for today: Abba Father. Thank you for saving me from the life I once lived. Thank you for making me into a new creation. Help me to continue to grow and use my story to bless others. Make me into someone the world needs. Amen.
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
Close your eyes and allow your mind to wander for a moment. Let it wander back in time to the memories that you have been trying to bury and forget about. Let your mind go to the place or places where God pulled you out of the life you used to live. Then, so you don’t dwell on the past, praise God for saving you from that life.
The book of 1 Samuel gives us a redemptive story of the Israelite people. Chapter 7 is the turning point that signified a new resolve to live for God. At this time, Samuel (who was God’s appointed judge over Israel) led the people of God to a wondrous victory over the Philistines. Israel had just been delivered from a short era of chaos and confusion. The Philistines had a short-lived possession of the Ark of the Covenant; which contained and signified the favor and presence of God. In the minds of this enemy nation, if they had control over this artifact, then they displayed their god’s dominance over the God of Israel. This didn’t last long, because God punished Philistia. Along with this punishment, Samuel led God’s people to a decisive victory over the Philistines. Samuel then took a stone and made it a reminder of what God has done for His people and the love that He still has for Israel.
This is a great story, right? Yes, of course, but there is a slight danger when we apply it to our lives. I believe we are called to set up an Ebenezer in our own life where we can constantly be reminded of His faithfulness. The problem arises when we attach a chain to our Ebenezer and attempt to carry it with us. We have a past and we all have a testimony, but if we allow the remnants of this past life to continue to bring us down, then we are missing the point. God has cleansed us, not only of our sin, but also of our guilt when Jesus transforms our lives. Carrying the Ebenezer is God’s job. If we make it our job, temptation to return to it is not far behind. Praise God for His deliverance…then move forward. Document the story, but do not return to the battle.
Prayer for today: Abba Father. Thank you for saving me from the life I once lived. Thank you for making me into a new creation. Help me to continue to grow and use my story to bless others. Make me into someone the world needs. Amen.
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
RSS Feed