My Ebenezer

It is human to forget. We often times experience healing, miracles and wonders from the Lord but in the face of adversity we crumble due to our failure to remember, Israel was no different. In light of this the Lord often ask them to make memorials so they can be reminded of past victories and achievements wrought by the hands of God.

The word “Ebenezer” means stone of help. During the end of the time of the judges, Israel experienced revival under the leadership of Samuel. It was during this time of repentance and renewal that the enemy attacked. The Israelites went out to do battle and God sent supernatural help: That day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. Israel’s victory over the Philistines was decisive. Several cities the Philistines had captured were restored. To commemorate the divine victory, “…Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” (1 Samuel 7, KJV). Read the entire chapter for the full account. This stone was to be a memorial for the children of Israel.

I met a young lady recently who I consider to have one of the most beautiful character. She is so mature for her age. I was constantly pouring into her encouragements and love. One day she said to me; “Liz, one day I will tell you my story.” That one day came and I was completely amazed at God’s faithfulness. She looks nothing like what she has been through. She is a diamond in the rough. A true warrior! God has so much in store for her and I am excited to be a part of the life changing experience. Here is her memorial:

It was that time when social media became the ‘in thing’, when we would post pictures and a verse below. It was the apostolic way. I used to post a lot. One day I was messaged on Facebook by an unknown young man who asked if I was apostolic. We became friends since. He later invited me to be a part of a Whatsapp group of young apostolics who shared testimonies and encouragements. After careful considerations I answered in the affirmative. We did not communicate personally at first, it was always through the group chat. With my vibrant personality I brought flavour and fun to the conversations in the group. One season I became withdrawn based on what I was experiencing and so persons in the group started asking for me. It was then this young man messaged me personally and we became closer friends. We spend extensive time talking on free nights and praying together. It was strictly godly at first. We lost contact due to phone losses. We regain contact a few months after and were back at it. It was here he informed me that one of his close relative died. Being a supportive friend, I decided to give my support to him in this rather low season of his life. I made arrangements to travel to the funeral even though it was in a different Parish. At the funeral I became more than a friend. He was constantly fainting and I had to be holding him up and assisting him. His family was pleased with how I handle things and kept saying that I was the best girlfriend he ever had. I did not pay attention to their comments because I knew what I knew and as a young Christian my mind was set on building my relationship with God and growing in grace. After the funeral we were in constant contact. He was a teacher and I was still in high school. He would invite me to his school functions and because I had the freedom (my grandmother trusted me enough to allow me to go places) I would often travel the distance to support. One evening he invited me to his home. I wasn’t expecting things to get where it did but we became sexual involved. This became the new norm for us. Though we would talk about stopping, there were no real convictions and so we only continued. One specific day I visited him at his house and he was indifferent towards me. I don’t know what had happened. I tried to cheer him up or make attempts to cuddle but he pushed me off. I took my stuff and left, in my head I thought he would attempt to dissuade me but he didn’t. It was a rainy day and he allowed me to leave in the rain. I cried my way home. Days passed and I did not hear from him neither did I make any attempt to contact him. It was during this abandonment I realized that I missed my period. My doubts were confirmed after taking a pregnancy test. I confided in one of my cousins who told me I had to muster up the courage and confront my grandmother about it. She offered to accompany me but I took the journey home alone. My grandmother was disappointed to say the least. However, she empathized and said we would have to face it together. I made contact with the young man and told him what happened. He said he couldn’t deal with that now and he was at the peak of ministry and so many persons were looking up to him. He did not assist during the process. No calls, no check ups, nothing. My immediate family and church family were very supportive during this season. I was mentally preparing myself to be a mother. About four months in one day while I was home, I went to the bathroom and I realized I was bleeding. I was rushed to the hospital to find out that I had a miscarriage. It must have been the most challenging time of my life. I experienced depression and sadness. I was always home alone, constantly in tears and could not see the way out. However, there were some people in my life who were very instrumental. They spoke over me, believed in my purpose and were always encouraging me. By God’s grace I triumph over that season. I am currently in Teachers’ College, striving so hard to please the Lord. God didn’t give up on me then, so why should He give up on me now? By God’s grace I am going all the way. – Anonymous. (Permission granted to share).

Now that is an Ebenezer! A constant reminder that God is her help in times of trouble. We are never too far gone. And the things He did before, He will do it again. He’s unchangeable!

From ever since I can recall I have been making jottings of things that happened to me; some are promises the Lord has made, victories that I have won and some just experiences and revelations of God. When my way gets cloudy and dark and I can’t see anything or make sense of things around me. I often draw for these writings and remind myself of God’s work in my life. That is my Ebenezer – my rock of help! They redirect and give hope.

A friend of mine gave me this rock in 2015. It is a weird gift I know. I asked what was the purpose of the rock when I got it and the answer was; “I was walking and I found the rock and I considered it special, I thought of you too and I decided to give you.” I diligently kept it over the years. I once thought I lost it and you can’t imagine how sad I became. As weird as the gift was at first, each time I look at it, it reminds me of a beautiful friendship. Our friendship by no means is perfect. But there is something symbolic and sentimental about this rock in comparison to our friendship. While I prayed this morning for my friend it came to me that this is our own Ebenezer in its unique way! A reminder of God’s hands in orchestrating and sustaining the friendship. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!

I know it gets hard. We are troubled on every side. We are fighting many battles and it appears that we are losing them all. Do you have any memorials? Can you recall past victories? What is your Ebenezer? Look at the scar on your body that testify of God’s amazing grace. The house you are living in, the car you drive, the child you thought you’d never have or that job you were not even qualified to get. Yes! Those are Ebenezers. Be reminded and encouraged. David was able to recollect his experience with the lion and bear when He stood up to fight Goliath; “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” (1 Samuel 12:37, KJV). Let the victories of yesterday sweep over you as you take some time to reflect. Hitherto hath the Lord helped you! And He continues to help. Enjoy this song by Shirley Ceasar; He will do it again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WLVyCzHByQ . Shalom.