My stone of help: EBENEZER

16th April 2026

My stone of help: EBENEZER

“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”1 Samuel‬ 7‬:12‬ KJV‬‬

The word Ebenezer means “stone of help.” The reference comes from I Samuel 7. After defeating the Philistines, Samuel raises his Ebenezer, declaring that on this spot God defeated the enemy. Thus, the words, “hither by thy help I come.”

It is here that we gain further understanding of what it means to “raise my Ebenezer.” In the Bible passage we read that the Israelites were under attack by the Philistines. Outnumbered and in fear for their lives, they pled with the prophet Samuel to pray for God’s help.

Samuel offered a sacrifice and prayed for protection. In response the Lord smote the Philistines, and they retreated to their territory. This victory is recorded in verse 12 our anchor verse: “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

The stone was meant to be a monument to remind them (the children of Isreal) of what God has done because it was possible that as they go on in life, and because of their successes, challenges, it becomes difficult to remember that their victories they owe to God due to pride and ingratitude. Neh 8:11-13.

Do you have “Ebenezers” in your life? Those moments that you know that without God, you would have fallen to the enemy? The enemy of lust, greed, bitterness or jealousy? The enemy of discouragement, loneliness, isolation or depression? Do all to remember to always remind yourself like Paul that you are what you are by the help of God; document, capture those times and seasons making reference to them when you engage people and especially your children just like Joshua did in Joshua 4:19-24. God did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God ( Joshua’s words to the children of Isreal).

Finally, make every effort to remind yourself that your help comes from the lord always. Ps 121:2. In doing this, you will be combating the spirit of pride and will remain grateful to the lord for what he has done just as the African proverb say that if you are grateful for what has been done, you are in a good position for another.

Confession:
I make conscious effort to remember that my help comes from God. In this month of Complete Restoration, I’m divinely restored by God.