“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’”

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

Being helped by someone is a great privilege. Not everyone comes forward to help, and not everyone receives help at the right moment. But God never ceases to help—He shows up at the right time and in the right place. Sometimes, when we are surrounded by blessings and favor, we begin to take His help for granted. Our minds may even start to believe that God is obligated to help us, instead of responding with gratitude and reverence.

God helps us when our ways please Him and when we walk in obedience to His commandments.

1 Samuel chapters 4–7 describe a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Israel was known as a mighty army—not because the people were skilled, but because their God was powerful, faithful, and undefeated.

Yet Israel turned away from God. They lived in sin and began worshiping other gods. So, when the battle came, despite having a strong army, the Israelites were defeated, and 4,000 soldiers died—serving as a wake-up call.

Instead of repenting, the Israelites looked for a shortcut. They brought the Ark of the Covenant into battle, thinking it would guarantee victory—treating it like a charm instead of approaching it with reverence and holiness. But once again, they were defeated—this time losing 30,000 men, and the Ark of the Covenant itself was captured.

The Philistines took the Ark, but the presence of God brought plagues and terror upon their land. In fear and trembling, they returned the Ark with a guilt offering.

At that point, Samuel the prophet called the people to repentance. He urged them to turn from idols, obey God’s commandments, and return to Him with sincere hearts.

So, all of Israel gathered at Mizpah. They fasted, worshiped, and repented. They laid aside their idols and surrendered themselves fully to the Lord.

When the Philistines heard about the gathering, they came to attack. Fear filled the people of Israel, but Samuel offered a lamb as a sacrifice and cried out to God—and God answered.

As Samuel presented the offering, the Philistines advanced—yet the Lord thundered with a mighty sound, throwing them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. The Israelites pursued them and drove them out.

Then Samuel set up a stone and called it Ebenezer, meaning:

“Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

This word of encouragement is for those waiting on God to intervene:

The Lord will help you—even in battle-like situations.

But do not treat God as one of many helpers—place your hope in Him as ‘The Help’.

Before I accepted Jesus as my Savior, when I felt afraid, I would place a physical Bible under my pillow or carry it with me. But I only began to experience the power of God’s Word when I surrendered my life and aligned my ways with Him. A physical Bible cannot help us—but the Spirit of God who breathed those words into existence can.

God will not move on our behalf while we hold onto idolatry—whether it shows up as pride, jealousy, fear, or unholy living.

It is not too late to repent, return to the Lord, and walk in obedience. We no longer need a lamb like Samuel offered—because we already have the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, His blood, and His grace, we are forgiven, restored, and positioned to receive His help and favor again.

This Ebenezer God will not let your foot slip.

He will not hand your life over to the enemy.

He will not leave you abandoned or defeated.

Be expectant—your help is on the way.

Prayer

Lord, search my heart and reveal anything that does not please You. I repent of every sin, every idol, and every attitude that has taken Your place. Help me, Lord, for You alone are my refuge, my strength, and my deliverer. Thank You that You are my Ebenezer—my ever-present help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.