Ebenezer

I wrote the following Journal entry right after I felt the call to ministry in the church- Spring of my Junior Year of college. All along, I thought I was going to be called to private counseling and to go to years more of graduate school. Little did I know.... the Lord was leading me here to Dalton. There are a number of people, songs and pieces of scripture the Lord is still revealing to me as my "Ebenezers". I'm reminded over and over here in Dalton that the LORD alone has brought me here. He is faithful and wants me to be reminded of that over and over. I'm reminded of that through loving staff, my sweet kids and encouraging members of the congregation. I'm praying that the LORD reveals to you visible and physical reminders of His faithfulness and overwhelming love for you. 

"Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by thy help I've come."

Many have probably heard and sung this verse of the well-known hymn of Come Thou Fount. I've recently just discovered what an Ebenezer is. I've always just mindlessly sung this phrase without paying it any attention as to the meaning.  I sometimes revert back to my third grade self and think of Scrooge and Charles Dickens. That's called being lazy... I never even knew what this was referring to until recently and it is a soothing balm that I take so much comfort in!

I was studying through 1 Samuel (for a theology test, not by choice) and came to the passage in which the Israelites had just defeated the Philistines. After the defeat, Samuel took a large stone and erected it at the place of the victory and named it Ebenezer and said "Thus far the Lord has helped us." (7:12) Ebenezer literally means a stone of help. And Samuel planted it at the place of the defeat reminding everyone that God had provided a victory; and that God had cared for His children. It didn't even matter what was going to happen in the future, Samuel was acknowledging that God has provided for them, thus far. It was an acknowledgement that no matter what happens next, the LORD has brought us here and we will remember and celebrate that!

The words of the Hymn are now brought back into focus, as the writer is placing a monument, or a reminder to help him remember that God has brought him to this point. The image in this song is of a a person on their knees, remembering that God has gotten him\her THIS far. God has cared for them, God has provided and God has been faithful. This has been an excellent reminder for me the past week that even in the midst of adjustment and doubt, God has gotten me THIS FAR. I've gotten to where I am because of God's grace and God's overwhelming provision. 

 Ebenezers are not just big rocks anymore, they are images, songs, writings that invite us to worship and bring all attention to God. May God be providing constant Ebenezers for you this week, as you are hurting, healing, searching and worshiping. May God remind you over and over that God is Help.God is Comfort.And that God is a mighty, mighty Rock.

As ChristChurch is moving forward, and as your family is moving forward, be reminded of His faithfulness! Whether it be through a designated prayer time, posting scripture through your home, or spending time with those who love and encourage you. The LORD provides and HE alone has gotten us here thus far! We have so much to be thankful for and to celebrate!