Ebenezer

Samuel tool a stone... and called its name Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." - 1 Samuel 7:12

In Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the central character is Ebenezer Scrooge. As a boy, I enjoyed watching the old black-and-white version of that movie with Alastair Sim portraying Scrooge. Sim did a phenomenal job presenting the heartless, miserly, self-centered Scrooge. I still look in the television schedule each Christmas to learn when I can watch that particular rendition of Dickens' tale.

Years of watching the travails of Scrooge have spoiled something for me though - the name "Ebenezer." I have associated it with Scrooge, but its original meaning was light-years away from that. In 1 Samuel, following a decisive battle with the Philistines, the Israelites erected a stone as a reminder of the Lord's help in the battle. They named that stone Ebenezer, which means "Stone of Help," to remind people of how God rescued them from their enemies (7:12).

What a contrast! A name that I had come to associate with man's selfishness can actually serve as a reminder of the readily available help of God. As we move through life, may we focus on the faithfulness of the Lord and not the selfishness of man. Let's look to Him as our true Ebenezer - our help in the challenges of life. - Bill Crowder

God's faithfulness we've known throughout the years,

His oneness with us in our joys and tears;

So many times the Lord has helped ud through,

Has answered prayer and given strength anew. - F. Hess

Our only hope here below is help from God above.

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When a problem occur, not each and everyone of us will turn to God... Most of us love to handle it ourselves... even when they look for help around, they will not look for it from God... but blaiming the God giving them such trouble... It is sad, but it is also a way to show God's glorification...

Someone may have quiet a number of position, and you may feel tired... had you ever ask God for a break?... God is not someone cruel... but with all the love for us... however, God is giving you such job is because He wants to have you there... no matter what is in His plan, just make ourselves as 'nobody' in order to serve the Lord with all we have...

When there is no one borrowing you their shoulder for you to cry on, got it from God...

When there is no one giving you their love for you to spend off, got it from God...

No one is perfect... but we can be the best if we are in God's path...