Friday, September 10, 2010

God is there for us

"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." 1 Samuel 7:12

Our verse today comes at the end of a great victory for Israel over the Philistines. There was fear in the ranks of the Israelites (verse 7), when they heard that the armies of Philistia were gathered to attack them. They begged the prophet Samuel to continue asking God to save the nation from the hand of the Philistines, which he did while offering a lamb as a burnt offering to the LORD.

While he was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines advanced to start the battle, but then God moved in, in answer to the prophet's prayer. He "thundered a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day" (verse 10). The enemy became confused, and were overthrown by the army of Israel.

In the wake of the victory, Samuel set up a stone pillar, in remembrance of the help God had given them that day. This was a monument, no small stone. It was to remind them of God's deliverance then, and to let them know that He would be with them in the future. The word Ebenezer means "Stone of help".

Are you taking note of the times God has helped you in your emergencies? Remember, God will help you through each difficulty you face. No problem of yours is too big for Him to tackle, for He directs the affairs of the universe! Our help comes from the Lord.