Have you ever embarked on an important endeavor only to see it fail? The nation of Israel experienced a similar situation as they suffered a disastrous defeat by the Philistines. We discover that some of our deepest lessons can come through the crucible of adversity. Israel learned that they could not ignore God’s commandments and expect His blessings. The prophet Samuel challenged them to follow God and turn away from the foreign gods:

Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:3)

Israel was soon tested again as the Philistines assembled against them:

Now when the Philistines heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the sons of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:7-8)

Their initial emotion was fear, but their response was prayer. It’s normal for us to respond in fear when we face a threatening situation, but prayer enables us to take our focus off the problem and puts it on our God who can solve the problem. They did not know what God was going to do and how He would deliver them. You may feel that way at times – you may not know what God is going to do, but God can give you His peace. They had given their problem to God and we see that God fought the battle for them:

Now Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, and the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were routed before Israel. (1 Samuel 7:10)

How many times do we fight the battle in our own strength, not realizing that God is ready to fight for us? Samuel did not make that mistake:

Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)

The word Ebenezer literally means a stone of help. What remembrances do you have of God’s faithfulness in your life? The result was their enemy was subdued and God protected them.

So the Philistines were subdued and they did not come anymore within the border of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. (1 Samuel 7:13)

All of us need an Ebenezer as a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. What is your Ebenezer?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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