Bible Study: The Meaning Of Ebenezer

Uncovering the “Stone of Help”: The Enduring Meaning of Ebenezer

Have you ever heard a word that sounds familiar, maybe from a beautiful song you love, the name of a local or something you came across while reading your Bible? That’s the word “Ebenezer” for many of us! But let me tell you, beyond just knowing the name, there’s a deep, encouraging, and powerful meaning waiting to be discovered, a meaning that often stays hidden. Today, we’re going on an exciting journey to explore the rich beginnings, the God-inspired importance, and the everyday ways this ancient “stone of help” can truly uplift your faith. The story of Ebenezer in the Bible is like a journey itself—it starts as a name linked with some tough times and sorrow it transforms into a mighty symbol of God’s never-failing help and a joyful call to remember all the wonderful things He has done!

What does the word “Ebenezer” literally mean, and what is its Hebrew origin?

So, what’s the big deal about this word “Ebenezer”? Well, get ready for this, because it’s simple but oh-so-powerful! Straight from the ancient Hebrew language, it literally means “stone of help”.¹ Isn’t that wonderful? This isn’t just some poetic phrase; it’s a clear, strong declaration of a powerful spiritual truth that God’s people experienced firsthand.

The word itself is a combination of two Hebrew words:

• Eben (sometimes you’ll see it as ‘ebhen) simply translates to “stone”.² You might recognize this word from other well-known Bible stories, like in Genesis 28:11, where it describes the stone Jacob used for a pillow when he had that incredible dream of a ladder reaching up to heaven.²
• Ezer (or ha-‘ezer, where “ha” means “the”) translates to “help” or “succor,” which means aid or assistance.² This word is also a big deal in the Old Testament, often used to describe God’s amazing assistance. For example, Psalm 70:5 joyfully declares, “You are my help (ezer) and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!”.²

When you put them together, ‘Eben ha-‘Ezer points to a real, touchable marker—a literal stone—that was set up to remember a specific time when God stepped in to help.¹ The most famous time we see this is with the prophet Samuel. After God gave the Israelites a huge victory, Samuel put up a stone as a memorial and named it Ebenezer, declaring with a grateful heart, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12, KJV).⁴

Think about that! The name itself—a physical thing (“stone”) connected to a divine action (“help”)—highlights a vital spiritual idea. God’s help isn’t just some far-off thought; it’s something you can experience in real, unforgettable ways. For the Israelites back then, a physical stone was a lasting, visible reminder of God’s amazing intervention. This speaks to something deep inside all of us—that need for concrete symbols to help us hold on to spiritual truths. It shows that God meets us right where we are, in the tangible realities of our lives.

Plus, that word “ezer” (help) connects the Ebenezer memorial to a bigger theme throughout the Bible: God is the consistent Helper of His people. When Samuel named that stone, he wasn’t introducing some new idea about God; he was tapping into something everyone understood about God’s character. This made the memorial incredibly meaningful for the Israelites, and it reassures us today that looking to God as our “helper” is a faith-filled act, grounded right in His Word.

Here’s a simple breakdown of those Hebrew roots:

Hebrew Word	Transliteration	English Translation	Example Biblical Reference (for component)
אֶבֶן	‘eben	Stone	Genesis 28:11 (Jacob’s pillow stone)
עֵזֶר	‘ezer	Help, Succor	Psalm 70:5 (God as my help)
אֶבֶןהָעֵזֶר	‘Eben ha-‘Ezer	Stone of the Help	1 Samuel 7:12

What is the main Bible story behind Samuel’s Ebenezer in 1 Samuel 7?

Let me tell you an amazing story, a real nail-biter from 1 Samuel chapter 7! It’s all about Samuel’s Ebenezer, and it’s packed with drama – a story of people turning back to God, heartfelt prayer, and then, BAM! God shows up in a mighty way! Before this incredible event, things were tough for the nation of Israel, both spiritually and politically. They had been under the thumb of their enemies, the Philistines, for a long twenty years.² The Ark of the Covenant, which was a symbol of God’s very presence, had even been captured in battle. And though it was eventually returned, the people desperately needed a deep spiritual refreshing.⁶ The Bible says they were “lamenting for the Lord,” which means they were starting to realize just how much they needed Him.⁷

And right into this situation stepped Samuel, a man of God, a respected prophet and judge. He looked at the Israelites and challenged them to get serious about their faith. He urged them, “put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only” (1 Samuel 7:3, KJV).² And you know what? The people listened! They got rid of their idols, those false gods like Baals and Ashtoreths. Samuel then gathered everyone at a place called Mizpah. There, they fasted, they openly confessed their sins, saying, “We have sinned against the LORD,” and Samuel prayed powerfully for them.⁶

But when the Philistines heard that all the Israelites were gathered at Mizpah, they thought, “Aha! This is our chance!” and they marched out to attack. Fear tried to grip the hearts of the Israelites, and they pleaded with Samuel, “Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 7:8, KJV).⁴ So, Samuel took a young lamb, offered it as a special sacrifice to the LORD, and cried out to God with all his heart for Israel.²

And as Samuel was offering that sacrifice, God intervened in the most spectacular way! The Bible tells us that “the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel” (1 Samuel 7:10, KJV).¹⁰ Can you imagine? That thunder from heaven threw the enemy into total confusion! The Israelites then chased after the fleeing Philistines and won a great victory.

It was right after this amazing, God-given deliverance that Samuel took a stone. He set it up as a monument, a reminder, between Mizpah and Shen. And he named it “Eben-ezer,” declaring, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12, KJV).⁴ This victory, marked by that Ebenezer stone, was a huge turning point for Israel. It showed that God was pleased with them again after they had turned back to Him.²

This incredible story shows us a vital link: turning back to God opens the door for His deliverance. That victory wasn’t just about military plans or even prayer by itself; it came right after the whole nation turned away from sin and recommitted themselves to God. Samuel’s challenge in 1 Samuel 7:3 was clear—”IF you are returning… THEN put away… And He will deliver you.” It’s a pattern for us too! When we genuinely turn our hearts and lives back to God, it often paves the way for His amazing help and victory in our own situations.

And notice how God helped—He used something natural, thunder in a supernatural way to cause panic among the enemy!2 It wasn’t about how strong Israel’s army was; it was a direct act of God using His creation. This tells us that God’s help can show up in surprising and unexpected ways, not always how we think it will. It reminds us that He is in control and can use anything for His good purposes. So, keep your eyes open for God’s hand in every circumstance!

Finally, this story shines a light on how important godly leadership is for any group of people wanting to draw closer to God. Samuel’s strong faith, his clear call for the people to turn from their wrongdoing, and his passionate prayers were absolutely key in guiding Israel back to God and into His deliverance.⁴ He didn’t just sit back; he led, he taught, and he prayed. It’s a powerful example of the incredible impact that righteous leadership can have.

Was “Ebenezer” mentioned in the Bible before Samuel’s stone of help?

You might be wondering, “Was this the first time ‘Ebenezer’ showed up in the Bible, with Samuel’s victory stone?” And the answer is yes, the name “Ebenezer” does appear in the Book of 1 Samuel before the prophet Samuel set up that triumphant memorial. But hold on, because the first time wasn’t a victory party; it was actually a place linked with devastating defeat and a really dark spiritual time for Israel.⁵

Back in 1 Samuel chapter 4, the Israelites went out to fight the Philistines, and the Bible says they “camped beside Ebenezer” (1 Samuel 4:1, KJV).⁶ In that first battle, Israel suffered a terrible loss, and about four thousand of their soldiers were struck down on the battlefield.⁶ In their pain and confusion, the leaders of Israel made a decision that would prove disastrous. Instead of turning to God and repenting, they decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh into their camp. They thought just having the Ark there, this symbol of God’s presence, would magically guarantee them a win.⁶ But that was based on superstition, not true faith.

So, they went into battle again, this time with the Ark in their camp. But what happened? They were defeated again, and this time it was even worse. Thirty thousand Israelite soldiers fell, the Ark of God itself was captured by the Philistines, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests, were killed (1 Samuel 4:10-11).⁶ The Philistines then took the captured Ark “from Ebenezer” to one of their own cities, Ashdod (1 Samuel 5:1).⁶ This was a time of God’s judgment on Israel because of their sin and the corruption among the priests. When Eli, the old high priest, heard the news that the Ark was captured and his sons were dead, he fell, broke his neck, and died.⁶ And his daughter-in-law, when she heard the terrible news, named her newborn son Ichabod, which means “the glory has departed from Israel.”

So, when Samuel later names his victory stone “Ebenezer” in 1 Samuel 7, it creates such a powerful and deliberate contrast, a story of redemption! The very same name that was once tied to Israel’s deepest shame, the loss of the Ark, and God’s judgment, is now completely transformed into a symbol of God’s mighty help and His power to restore.¹⁰ This is so encouraging! It tells us that God is in the business of redeeming our past failures. He can take those narratives of defeat and rewrite them into beautiful stories of His grace and His power. For you and me, this brings incredible hope that those places in our lives that have known sorrow or failure can, through God’s amazing work, become sites of His restoring touch.

That earlier story at the place called Ebenezer also shows us the huge difference between just going through religious motions and having true faith. The Israelites initially relied on the Ark like it was some kind of good luck charm, without any real repentance or obedience, and it got them nowhere.⁶ This is so different from the heartfelt turning back to God and the earnest prayer that came before the victory at Samuel’s stone of Ebenezer in 1 Samuel 7. It’s a crucial lesson: religious activities or symbols, if our hearts aren’t in them and we’re not living right with God, don’t mean a thing. True spiritual power comes from a right relationship with God, not from external things we might use superstitiously.

And even though Israel failed so badly at that first Ebenezer, God’s ultimate desire was still to help and restore His people. The story doesn’t end with that defeat in 1 Samuel 4. It moves towards repentance and God stepping in with His power in 1 Samuel 7. This shows that while sin definitely has serious consequences, God’s faithfulness and His willingness to help are always there for those who turn back to Him. This concept can also be applied to the struggles people face today, such as overeating and moral implications. Just as the Israelites found themselves in a cycle of sin and consequence, individuals today may wrestle with their choices and the impacts they have on their lives. However, the path to reconciliation and healing remains open, reminding us that turning towards God brings hope and restoration.

These two contrasting stories connected to the name “Ebenezer” can be seen like this:

Scripture Reference	Name “Ebenezer” Refers To	Israel’s Spiritual State	Key Event(s)	Outcome for Israel	Primary Lesson
1 Samuel 4:1; 5:1	A place (battle camp)	Disobedient; Superstitious	Battles against Philistines; Misuse of the Ark	Severe defeat; Ark captured	Danger of formalism; Consequences of sin
1 Samuel 7:12	A memorial stone	Repentant; Seeking God	Samuel’s prayer; God’s intervention (thunder)	Decisive victory; Philistines subdued	Power of repentance; God’s faithful help

Why did Samuel set up a stone and name it Ebenezer, and what was its purpose?

So, after that incredible, God-given victory over the Philistines, what did Samuel do? He didn’t just say, “Well, that was great!” and move on. No, he did something powerful, something symbolic and deliberate: “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12, KJV).⁴ Samuel set up this stone and named it Ebenezer, which means “stone of help,” first and foremost as a memorial—a way to remember and celebrate the amazing divine help God had given to Israel.²

The reasons for this Ebenezer stone were many, and they were all deeply important for the Israelites:

• To Remember God’s Specific Help: That stone was a solid, physical reminder for the Israelites of exactly what the Lord had done for them in that battle.¹ Samuel wanted to make sure that the memory of God’s powerful help would last for generations to come.² God knows we humans can sometimes forget His mighty acts, and these kinds of memorials were designed to help us remember.⁴
• To Acknowledge God’s Agency: The name “Stone of Help” and Samuel’s powerful declaration made it crystal clear that the victory came from God, not from Israel’s army or their smart plans.⁶ It was a public announcement saying, “Their deliverance was not because of their military prowess. This was God’s deliverance”.⁶ All glory to God!
• To Mark a Turning Point: That stone was like a signpost, showing a major shift in Israel’s situation and in their relationship with God. After being oppressed and spiritually down, this victory, which came after they turned back to God, marked a fresh start, a renewed commitment to the Lord, and a change in how things were going with their enemies.²
• To Inspire Future Hope and Faithfulness: That little phrase “Hitherto” or “Thus far the Lord has helped us” is so important. It recognized God’s consistent help right up to that moment in their history it also carried a powerful, unspoken encouragement to trust Him for future help, as long as they continued to be faithful to Him.¹⁰ It was like a challenge: “Keep moving in the right direction” in your walk with God!13
• To Teach Future Generations: In the culture of ancient Israel, memorial stones were often like “silent witnesses.” They were meant to make future generations ask questions, giving the elders a perfect chance to tell the amazing stories of God’s faithfulness and His mighty deeds.²
• To Redeem a Name and Concept: Remember how a place named Ebenezer was earlier linked to a terrible defeat?¹⁰ Samuel’s act of naming this victory stone Ebenezer could also be seen as redeeming that name. It powerfully showed that God was still Israel’s helper and could bring victory even where defeat had once seemed to rule.

Samuel’s action really highlights how important it is to be proactive about remembering in our faith journey. He didn’t just feel thankful; he took a deliberate, physical step to make sure that incredible event wouldn’t be forgotten. This tells us that remembering what God has done is often an active, intentional choice, not just a fleeting feeling. It’s a way to fight against that human tendency to forget God’s amazing interventions when life gets busy or challenging.⁴

And that specific wording, “Thus far the Lord has helped us,” is so full of meaning. It’s like a milestone, not the end of the road. It speaks of God’s consistent help up to that very moment, creating a strong foundation of trust for whatever lies ahead.⁸ It suggests a dynamic, living relationship: God has shown Himself faithful, and as His people continue to walk faithfully with Him, they can expect His continued help. This encourages a faith that looks forward with hope, deeply rooted in past experiences of God’s unwavering support.

What’s more, setting up the Ebenezer stone was a public act, placed “between Mizpeh and Shen” 4 for all to see, not some private memorial just for Samuel. This public testimony strengthened Israel’s shared identity as a people helped by God. It shaped their community faith by reminding them of their collective history with the Lord and His covenant faithfulness. For us today, in our faith communities, this underscores how important it is to share our testimonies and collectively remember God’s work among us.

What is the deeper theological meaning of Ebenezer for Christians?

This isn’t just an old story for history books, friend. The concept of Ebenezer, that “stone of help,” is bursting with powerful theological meaning for you and me today, as Christians. It goes far beyond its original setting in ancient Israel. It stands as a powerful symbol of God’s always-present help, His unwavering faithfulness, His divine guidance, and His abundant mercy, especially when we need Him most and when we turn to Him with sincere hearts.²

At its very core, Ebenezer is a beautiful testament to God as our Helper. It shouts from the rooftops the truth we find in Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”.⁵ This story encourages every believer to recognize and joyfully acknowledge God’s active, loving role in their lives, giving strength and bringing deliverance.

A super important theological point here is the vital need to remember God’s past faithfulness. When Samuel set up that stone, it was all about making sure God’s help wouldn’t be forgotten. For us as Christians, “raising an Ebenezer” in a spiritual sense means we consciously, intentionally bring to mind all the ways God has stepped in for us, all His blessings.⁴ And this isn’t just about feeling a little nostalgic; it’s absolutely essential for strengthening our faith right now and building unshakeable trust for whatever challenges come our way tomorrow.⁵ As one wise person said, “by remembering we are raising our own Ebenezer”.⁴

The Ebenezer story is also deeply connected to repentance and a renewed commitment to God. The divine help that stone in 1 Samuel 7 represented came right after Israel turned away from their idols and recommitted themselves to the Lord.⁵ So, for Christians, Ebenezer carries this beautiful idea of turning back to God, understanding that His help often flows most freely into lives that are lined up with His will.

Ebenezer is a symbol of God’s victory! It celebrates a decisive win that God Himself secured for His people over their enemies.¹⁶ We can see this in terms of our spiritual battles too—God grants us victory over sin, over temptation, and over all the forces that try to stand against His kingdom. The message is loud and clear: “God alone gave them this victory”.¹⁶

Some theologians even see Ebenezer as pointing forward to Jesus Christ as the ultimate and perfect “stone of help”.³ Isn’t that amazing? Jesus is described in Scripture as the “stone the builders rejected” who has “become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42).¹² From this wonderful perspective, “Jesus Himself is our ebenezer. Jesus is our stone of remembrance. Jesus is the reason that we have victory and deliverance and hope”.¹²

Think about the whole story arc of Ebenezer—from failure and sin (like we saw in 1 Samuel 4 at the place called Ebenezer) to turning back to God, His divine intervention, victory, and then remembering it all (at Samuel’s stone of Ebenezer in 1 Samuel 7). It’s like a miniature picture of God’s big, overarching story of redemption with all of humanity. This pattern—humanity messing up, God calling us to turn back, His gracious deliverance, and His desire for us to remember these acts—is a theme that runs all through the Bible. This connects that Old Testament story directly to our Christian understanding of sin, redemption, and grace. It shows Ebenezer isn’t just a one-off event but a beautiful example of God’s consistent way of working.

The act of memorializing God’s help, which the Ebenezer principle encourages, has incredible psychological and spiritual power to keep our faith strong. Actively remembering God’s past interventions builds resilience, fills us with gratitude, and gives us a positive outlook. It empowers believers to face current and future trials with faith, instead of giving in to fear or forgetfulness.² It’s a spiritual discipline that directly impacts our ability to keep going!

Finally, there’s a beautiful theological progression from those physical memorials in the Old Testament to Christ Himself as the ultimate, living memorial in the New Testament. While Old Testament saints used physical stones, for us Christians, Christ Himself is the supreme “stone of help” and the central focus of our remembrance.¹² This doesn’t mean personal, tangible reminders aren’t valuable for us today it does mean that our ultimate “Ebenezer” is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings. All our personal “Ebenezers” should ultimately lead us back to this great and foundational act of God’s amazing help. As we reflect on our personal reminders of God’s faithfulness, we can also draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of Christian history, such as the basilica of st. louis history, which stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and devotion. These historical landmarks not only serve as physical reminders of God’s presence throughout the ages but also encourage us to deepen our connection with Him. Ultimately, just as these structures have withstood the test of time, so too should our faith be a lasting monument to the unwavering help and grace provided by Christ.

What did the Church Fathers teach about Ebenezer or the “stone of help”?

You might be thinking, “What did those wise early Christian teachers, the Church Fathers, say about this Ebenezer, this ‘stone of help’?” Well, Although we don’t have tons of direct comments from every single one of them easily available, the insights from influential figures like Augustine of Hippo give us a wonderful peek into how early Christians understood it. Augustine, who lived way back in the 5th century AD, shared a really major, Christ-centered understanding of that Ebenezer event in 1 Samuel 7:12.

Augustine saw the “stone of the helper” (Ebenezer) as a beautiful symbol representing the mediation of our Savior, Jesus Christ.¹⁸ He believed this stone was the way believers “must pass over from the old Mizpah…to the new Mizpah”.¹⁸ what did Augustine mean by “Mizpah”? He explained that “Mizpah” (which can mean “watchtower” or “aim”) signified a goal or objective. The “old Mizpah,” in Augustine’s view, represented chasing after material things or earthly happiness—things that don’t last. In contrast, the “new Mizpah” represented the true goal of finding spiritual happiness in the kingdom of heaven. And this journey, according to Augustine, is made possible by the “stone of the helper,” who is Christ Himself.¹⁸ He pointed out that God helps His people “so far” on this journey toward spiritual joy through Christ.¹⁸ Augustine also accurately retold the Bible story, noting Samuel’s cry to the Lord, the offering of a sacrifice, God’s thundering response that confused the Philistines, and then Samuel setting up that Ebenezer stone.¹⁸

Augustine’s interpretation is a classic example of how early Christians often read the Old Testament. They looked for ways that Old Testament events, people, and symbols pointed forward to, or prefigured, the person and work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This was a common and respected way of understanding Scripture. By identifying the “stone of help” with Christ our mediator, Augustine wasn’t just making a random connection. He was working within this established way of seeing how the Old Testament beautifully relates to Christ’s coming. This perspective suggests that for us as Christian readers, Old Testament stories like Ebenezer gain an even deeper layer of meaning when we see them through the lens of Christ’s redeeming work. It shows how the “help” represented by Samuel’s stone is ultimately and perfectly found in Jesus!

When Augustine connected Ebenezer to the journey from an “old Mizpah” (aiming for material things) to a “new Mizpah” (aiming for spiritual things), he framed God’s help within a bigger picture of spiritual transformation.¹⁸ This suggests that God’s help, symbolized by Ebenezer, isn’t just for isolated crises or emergencies. Instead, it’s a vital part of our entire process of becoming more like Christ—that journey of reorienting our lives toward eternal, spiritual realities rather than temporary, material ones. This resonates so deeply with our Christian walk of growing in faith and being shaped into the image of Christ.

Although we might not have detailed comments on Ebenezer from every single Church Father readily at our fingertips, the general thinking of these early Christian leaders often highlighted themes that are right in line with the spirit of Ebenezer. These include God’s overarching care and provision, His direct intervention and help for His people, the critical importance of remembering God’s past actions, and the absolute centrality of Christ as the ultimate source of salvation and divine assistance. The Bible often uses “stone” imagery, which frequently carries hints of the Messiah (like the cornerstone or the rock of offense, which are used in relation to Jesus 12). This provides a rich background for Augustine’s Christ-centered understanding of the Ebenezer stone.

The timeless spiritual insights of Church Fathers like Augustine continue to offer valuable perspectives for us believers today. Even though they lived centuries ago, their focus on Christ as the ultimate mediator and the goal of spiritual happiness remains incredibly relevant. When we engage with these historical interpretations, it can truly enrich our modern understanding of Scripture, connecting us to that “great cloud of witnesses” who have thought deeply about these sacred texts throughout church history. Additionally, the wisdom of these early theologians can serve as a guiding compass for those navigating their faith journey, especially when faced with the challenge of choosing a Christian denomination. By reflecting on their teachings, believers can discern how core doctrines and practices align with the essence of Christ’s message. Ultimately, these insights help foster a deeper connection to the universal Church, reminding us that our faith is both a personal and communal journey.

Conclusion: Carrying Our Ebenezers Forward

So, as we’ve journeyed into this amazing word “Ebenezer,” we’ve found so much more than just a definition, haven’t we? We’ve discovered a life-changing spiritual principle! This “stone of help” stands as an enduring, joyful invitation from God to you to always remember His incredible past faithfulness, to acknowledge His ever-present help, and to step into your bright future with a heart full of confident trust in His unwavering support. From its beginnings as a place-name that was once linked with defeat, “Ebenezer” was powerfully redeemed by the prophet Samuel to become a triumphant memorial of God’s amazing intervention, forever linking that name with divine assistance and the vital importance of remembrance.

For us as Christians, this Old Testament concept finds its deepest meaning and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is, in the most powerful and wonderful sense, our Ebenezer—our greatest “Stone of Help,” the ultimate reason for our victory, our deliverance, and our unshakeable hope.¹² His life, His death, and His glorious resurrection are the supreme acts of God’s help that we, as believers, are called to remember continually with grateful hearts. As we reflect on the significance of our Ebenezer, we can also consider the meaning of Bethel for Jehovah’s Witnesses, which symbolizes a place of worship and spiritual refuge. This name evokes a sense of community and purpose, as Jehovah’s Witnesses gather to strengthen one another in their faith. Ultimately, both concepts invite us to recognize the importance of steadfast support and divine assistance in our journeys as followers of Christ. In exploring these themes further, we can also gain insight into the foundational beliefs that shape the lives of different faith communities, including a comprehensive Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs overview. Understanding these perspectives can foster a greater appreciation for the diverse ways individuals seek and experience God’s support. As we honor our own spiritual journeys, we can celebrate the unity that emerges when we recognize the common goal of seeking divine guidance and strength.

Yet, that call to “raise Ebenezers” remains incredibly relevant for our personal faith journey today. By consciously creating those markers of God’s specific interventions in our lives—whether it’s through journaling, prayer, sharing our stories, or other personal acts of remembrance—we build a powerful defense against forgetfulness and doubt. These personal Ebenezers become like wells of strength, reminding us that the same God who has faithfully helped us “thus far” will surely continue to be our faithful guide and helper until we “safely to arrive at home.” So, I want to encourage you today, friend: be inspired to actively and intentionally raise these stones of remembrance in your own life. Create a rich legacy of faith that not only strengthens your own heart but also brings glory to the God who is, and always will be, our ever-present, loving Help. Be blessed, and know that God, your amazing Helper, is with you every single step of the way!