1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen. And he called its name Ebenezer saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

The Israelites were a stubborn people. They often took the wrong turns and then had to bear the consequences. Their spiritual life was in disarray. They served the Lord halfway and also worshipped other gods.

When I read this, I wondered what idols we serve today. What prevents you from putting all your faith in God? It may be an idol that you need to get rid of, because it steals your faith in God. You put your trust in something other than God, and that is extremely dangerous.

The people longed for God and wanted to return. Samuel helped them and called on them to believe again. That is why he told them to throw away their idols and confess their sins before God. Maybe you should do this too.

While the people were still there, the Philistines attacked them at Mizpah. Afraid, the people begged Samuel to ask God for help. There was a loud bang, and the Philistines became confused and ran away in all directions. The Israelites had won the war.

In gratitude for God’s help, Samuel erected a rock of help (Eben-Haeser) with the inscription: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” The statue had to remind them who had won the war. Not them, but God.

However, it was not just a reminder of the past, but the “thus far” assumes that the journey was not yet over. God’s presence and protection over His people lasts into the future and nothing would stop it.

We must regularly examine ourselves to see what idols we have allowed into our lives. Those things that steal our trust in God. Those things that have come between you and God. We must confess them, and make sure that they are cut from our lives.

Then we will also be able to erect signs that testify to God’s faithfulness. He will show up and help us with the wars in our lives, no matter what the cost. Just look …

Prayer
Father, I’m so sorry that I continuously allow idols in my life. May Your Spirit help me to cut them out. Help me now to win the wars in my world …

Questions
Are there other idols that you have allowed into your life?
What are you going to do about them?
What can you expect from God?

Cross-references
Deuteronomy 8:2
Psalm 77:11-12
Psalm 103:2

Do it Now
Write down three situations today where God has helped you, and thank Him specifically for each one.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is anything in your life that receives more trust and attention than God. Confess it, and consciously surrender it back to Him.
Conclude by saying out loud: “Thus far the Lord has helped me, and He will continue to help me going forward.”