Whenever I visit Washington D.C., I make time to stop in at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse. It’s a few blocks from the Capitol building. Several years ago I read the story of how a church was looking for ways to intersect with the world. There was an abandoned building turned crack house that they wanted to buy. They didn’t have a lot of money and others were bidding on it. After several big prayers and trusting God, they were awarded the building. They created Ebenezer’s. On the coffee sleeves, you’ll find, “SFSG.” It stands for, “So far, so God.” God has helped them along the way, and they keep trusting Him. I go there as a reminder that God answers big prayers and needs.
In 1 Samuel 7, we read the story of when the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel after having taken it in battle. Samuel called all of Israel together to call them to repentance in front of the Ark. the Philistines thought they were gearing up for war and showed up to attack them. They called on God for help and He fought their battle for them. Verse 12 says, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and he named it Ebenezer (stone of help), saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’” (AMP). That stone became a reminder to the people of Israel that God shows up and helps.
Isaiah 50:7 says, “For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore, I have not been ashamed or humiliated. Therefore, I have made My face like flint, And I know that I shall not be put to shame.” We all need markers in our lives to remind us of times when God showed up and answered a big prayer. Our memories are short and we forget the next time we’re faced with an impossibly. It’s important that we appreciate previous victories from God and also learn to stay dependent on Him for future ones. So far God has helped you. He is an ever present help in our time of need (Psalm 46:1). Revisit the Ebenezers of your life often and keep trusting God to help you.
Photo by Jacob Amson on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 