EBENEZER

TITLE: EBENEZER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 7:12 
Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1, Psalm 121:1-2, Deuteronomy 31:8

INTRODUCTION 
The word Ebenezer means "stone of help." It signifies a milestone of divine assistance, a marker to remember God's faithfulness in times of trouble. In 1 Samuel 7:12, after a great victory over the Philistines, the prophet Samuel raised a stone and called it Ebenezer, declaring, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." Today, as we reflect on the concept of Ebenezer, we are reminded that the same God who helped Israel continues to help us in our journeys.

1. GOD IS OUR PRESENT HELP 
a) God’s Help in Times of Trouble 
Psalm 46:1 declares that God is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." In life, we face many battles, but we can always rely on God to come to our aid. He never leaves us to fight alone, and His help is ever-present, just as He delivered Israel from their enemies.

b) The Assurance of His Help 
Psalm 121:1-2 asks, "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This assurance of God’s help reminds us that no matter how big our challenges may seem, the God who created the heavens and the earth is more than able to deliver us from them.

Biblical Example: The Israelites at the Red Sea 
When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, God made a way where there seemed to be no way. He parted the sea, and the Israelites crossed over on dry ground. God was their help in that desperate moment, and He remains our help today.

2. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EBENEZER 

a) A Reminder of God’s Faithfulness
When Samuel raised the stone of Ebenezer, it was a reminder of the faithfulness of God. Every time the Israelites looked at that stone, they were reminded that God had helped them defeat their enemies. In the same way, we need to raise our own "Ebenezers", marking the moments when God intervened in our lives, so we don’t forget His faithfulness.

b) Testifying of God’s Help 
Ebenezer was also a testimony to others about the power and goodness of God. When people asked about the stone, it was an opportunity to share the story of God’s deliverance. Our testimonies of God’s help not only strengthen our faith but also encourage others to trust in Him.

Biblical Example: David’s Victory Over Goliath 
David declared, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David’s past victories were his Ebenezer, reminding him that the same God who had helped him before would help him again.

3. REMEMBERING GOD’S HELP IN THE PAST TO BUILD FAITH FOR THE FUTURE 

a) God’s Help in the Past is a Foundation for Future Victories 
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." As we recall the times God has helped us in the past, it builds our confidence that He will help us in the future. We can face new challenges knowing that the same God who was with us before will be with us again.

b) Gratitude and Expectation
As we raise our *Ebenezers*, we must maintain an attitude of gratitude for God’s past help while holding on to the expectation of His continued assistance. Gratitude positions us for greater victories, and expectation keeps us focused on God’s promises.

Biblical Example: Joshua and the Twelve Stones at the Jordan 
In Joshua 4, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they set up twelve stones as a memorial of God’s help in bringing them into the Promised Land. Those stones served as a testimony of God's past deliverance and as a faith-builder for future generations.

4. GOD, OUR UNCHANGING HELPER 

a) God’s Help is Unchanging 
The same God who was Samuel’s Ebenezer is our Ebenezer today. He is unchanging in His character and faithfulness. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." His help is constant and reliable, no matter what changes around us.

b) Our Response to God’s Help 
In light of God’s unchanging help, we must respond with trust and obedience. Just as Samuel built an altar and offered sacrifices after God helped them, we too must offer our lives as living sacrifices, fully surrendered to His will.

Biblical Example: Paul’s Testimony of God’s Help 
In Acts 26:22, Paul declares, "But God has helped me to this very day." Even in the face of persecution and trials, Paul acknowledged God’s help and remained steadfast in his mission. His confidence in God’s help was unshakable, and it empowered him to fulfill his calling.

CONCLUSION 
Just as Samuel raised a stone and called it Ebenezer, declaring, "Thus far the Lord has helped us," we too must raise our own Ebenezers in our lives. Let us not forget the countless times God has come to our aid. As we remember His faithfulness, we build our faith for the future, trusting that He will continue to be our help in every situation. God, our Ebenezer, is faithful, and His help never fails.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, thank You for being my Ebenezer, my constant help in times of need. 

2. Lord, help me to remember Your faithfulness in the past as I face future challenges. 

3. I declare that You are my help and I will not be afraid of any situation. 

4. Father, raise up testimonies of Your help in my life that will encourage others. 

5. Lord, guide me to trust in You more, knowing that You will never fail me. 

6. I declare that the same God who has helped me thus far will continue to help me in every area of my life. 

7. Father, open my eyes to see Your hand of help in my life every day. 

8. I receive the grace to raise my own Ebenezer, remembering Your goodness and mercy. 

9. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your faithful help and guidance. 

10. Father, give me the faith to trust You in every battle, knowing that You will always be my Ebenezer.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. Thus far, the Lord has helped you, and He will continue to be your help in every situation. 

2. You will raise your own Ebenezer, a testimony of God's faithfulness in your life. 

3. Every battle before you will be won, for the Lord is your Ebenezer. 

4. God's help will come to you speedily, just as He delivered Israel from their enemies. 

5. You will never be stranded because God is your ever-present help in trouble. 

6. As you remember God's help in the past, your faith will rise for greater victories. 

7. The Lord who has been your help will continue to be your refuge and strength. 

8. Your life will be marked by testimonies of divine assistance. 

9. No situation is too difficult for the God who is your Ebenezer. 

10. You will walk in victory because the Lord is your help and your shield!