Recently God challenged me with this verse by considering how many times I keep track of disappointments rather than victories in life. In I Samuel, we see how, as a result of repentance, God was faithful to provide victory for the Israelites over the Philistines. In response to this, Samuel sets up a stone that he calls an Ebenezer or “stone of help.” This stone served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His children for many generations.
When it comes to short-term memory, mine is the worst! God knows I need reminders of things to keep me on track with the “gazillion” things going on. I need regular visual reminders of Gods past provisions, whether those are rocks, songs, journal entries, or regular “pop-ups” on my Outlook Calendar. We cannot trust God with new challenges if we fail to forget His mighty works from the past!
What do you use as your Ebenezer?
Sheryl Patry
Sheryl,
ReplyDeleteSuch a good point...thanks for the reminder to "think on the good things," and they are many.
In Christ, Patricia
Thanks for this, Sheryl.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I like to do is write down a Bible verse which God has used to speak to me in a particular way - or which reminds me of a wonderful way He has moved in and around me. Then I put that paper in my pocket and am reminded of it whenever I stick my hand in my pocket. It's a great tool God has used to keep me mindful of His goodness. And to help me memorize some scripture! *grin*
~Karen
Good reminder! A friend of mine gave me an idea for "stones of remembrance" which was to start a notebook (with sheet protectors) and write or gather items/pictures that reminded me of times when God had shown His faithfulness and goodness to me in a personal way. That way, when times were rough, I could pull it out and recall His faithfulness. I thought it was an excellent idea (because I, too, forget!)
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