“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’” 1 Samuel 7:12
When our children were growing up, we had a door jamb where we marked their height every birthday, a measure not only of physical growth but a mark evidencing another 365 days of life, friendships made, studies learned, maturity formed. Those marks, and the developing handwriting of each child, were cause for praise to the God Who had faithfully brought them that far and had promised that He would not forsake them or His plans for them in the future. (Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 29:11)
Samuel’s life had already been marked with moments: his miraculous conception and birth, his mother’s giving him to the Lord’s service, God’s audible call on his life; and now he sets another remembrance that would remind all who saw it of God’s gracious mercy to them, His deliverance, His unshakeable word.
When I memorialize God’s faithfulness– answers to prayer or tangible changes He has made– in a journal or a dated note in the margin of my Bible, I am setting a marker that tells a story of His character and deeds. The next time that account is read, His constancy is magnified and faith is strengthened. He Who brought me this far will work with me still; He Who awakened belief and inspired holiness and prayer will complete what He began. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Lord, this day I raise my Ebenezer. You have helped me thus far and will walk with me to the end. May I mark Your faithfulnesses to me in ways that bring You praise and cause others to behold, love, and worship You.
As the rain and snow 