“Ebenezer Stone”

The setting for this scripture was around the year 1075 BC, and Samuel was the prophet, priest and judge for the people of Israel during what was known as the dark days of the judges. This was a time when the people did as they pleased and did not follow the laws of the Lord. It was the time before the division of the tribes and before Saul was raised up as King. The Hebrews had lost a battle to the Philistines in which the Ark of the Covenant was taken. After a time of repentance led by Samuel, the men of Israel had a revival and were renewed, then went to battle again. The Philistines were struck down and subdued and the city was restored back to Israel. It was there that Samuel acquired a stone from between Mizpah and Shen and marked the victory the Lord had given them. Mizpah means“watchtower” and is about 4 miles NW of Jerusalem. Shen, or Jeshanah, means “tooth, ivory, or sharp rock” and is about 3 1/2 miles from Bethel.

It’s so important that we also erect some kind of markers to remind us when, where, and how the Lord met us and gave us victory. I keep one in my bible so that every time I open it I am struck with thankfulness for God's strength, presence, and care of my family and myself.

My Ebenzer stone is a plastic tubing called a Hickman line. It’s a tube that was surgically implanted into my youngest son's chest so that he could receive chemotherapy, blood products, and nutrition (when he could no longer eat) during the time when he was battling leukemia.

I once hated the sight of that tube dangling from my son's body. It used to be a bitter taste of pain for me. But when I hold the Hickman line in my hand now, my heart has softened toward it. I realize it was during this battle that we thought was impossible to survive; God met us there and carried us through. Cancer was not a stranger to us as my husband passed away from his six year battle ten days after my youngest son's diagnosis. We, as a family, knew the face of cancer and the wreckage it leaves behind.

Are you in the middle of an impossible crisis? Do you look back with bitterness to a certain time in your past? Could you, today, mark it with your own Ebenezer stone- some kind of sacred object- as a time that God met you and strengthened you there? He will show you something about yourself, the weak and strong areas, but even better, He will show you more about Himself...and that will enlarge your faith in Him. We have victory with the Lord's presence in our lives!

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.