“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.'” — 1 Samuel 7:12
The Battle is Won
As an athlete, every day is a battle. A battle to stay healthy. A battle against your opponent. A battle to find balance with your crazy schedule. When you look around, it feels like there’s always a challenge to overcome.
Samuel and the Israelites were no strangers to battles, and one day they found themselves in the fight of their life against the Philistines. Outnumbered and outmatched, they leaned on their leader, Samuel, to cry out to God. Then the Lord threw their enemy into confusion with loud sounds of thunder. What a scene! God came through in a major way because of the faith of His people.
The most encouraging part of this story is what happens after the battle. Samuel takes a stone, places it on the ground as a memorial, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Think about that for a minute — Samuel realized God was the only reason they made it as far as they did. Every battle in their life, big and small, was won at the hands of God.
What was the last battle you made it through? Imagine placing your own stone named Ebenezer there to remind yourself, “Thus far the Lord has helped me.” Let it be a powerful reminder that God has never left you hanging. In times when your back was against the wall, He came through to deliver you. Even when you deserved the consequences of your actions, your loving Father wrapped His arms around you.
The more you intentionally engage your heart in gratitude, the more your eyes will be open to the goodness of God in your life. Take time today to remember the challenges the Lord has seen you through. May your heart be open to His wonderful grace and mercies each day.
— Taneka Rubin
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