August

"Hitherto hath the LORD helped us"! (1 Samuel 7:12)

Ebenezer. The Scriptures abound in stories which have been designed to encourage the people of God. Here is one which will surely betoken a goodly measure of spiritual growth if we are able to say without hesitation: "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!"

The words hinge upon a very dramatic moment for Israel. The Philistines had come against them with so great an army, that they besought Samuel to cry to the Lord continually until they were delivered. Samuel did this and offered at the same time, a lamb. The Lord answered by thundering with a great thunder, which so terrified the Philistines, that they were easily smitten by Israel. A great victory was achieved; and out of gratitude Samuel erected a Memorial Stone and called it: Ebenezer, saying "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!"

In like manner, the Lord's people remember the Lamb of God and pray continually. Then, in quiet confidence they await deliverance in each and every trial which overtakes them. It is when they look back on these that they raise their Memorials of Faith, saying with a deep sense of thankfulness: "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!" Thus they advance from faith to faith and from glory unto glory until they are made ready for their grand inheritance so graciously promised by the Heavenly Father.

FL