Fridge Magnets

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer saying,

“Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

I had just poured the last of my creamer into my coffee and as I closed the fridge door, my attention was captured by my magnets.  Each of these magnets represents a place that I have been to, and each one evokes memories of those trips and places. I cannot help but smile when I look at my magnets.  Each of the experiences flood my mind and, in that moment, I am reminded of the joy and happiness I felt when I was there.  I love my fridge magnets.

              What do fridge magnets have to do with faith in God?  More than you think.  Though out our lives we face difficulties, pain, suffering, and worry.  With each of these experiences, we reached out to Jesus and asked for his guidance and our deliverance.  Because of the strength that he gave us and his working in the circumstances we have come out of each stronger in faith and courage.  Each of those experiences are the reminder of how he worked in our lives’. 

              In the book of Samuel, (1 Samuel 7) there is a story of how Samuel used a stone he named Ebenezer, (Hebrew for “stone of help”) to remind God’s people that God had delivered them and brought victory.  Sounds a bit strange but to many, like myself, a physical representation evokes memories and a reminder of the event.  Every time the Israelites looked at the stone altar, they were reminded how God had protected them and drove the Philistines out before them.

              Currently, in our communities, our country and indeed globally we are facing previously unimaginable circumstances.  Threats to our freedoms, our livelihoods and futures have materialized seemingly overnight.  Daily we deal with feelings of uncertainty.  Fear and confusion.  

 Cast you mind back to the many times that God has provided, worked through impossible circumstances, and gave strength and comfort.  What we face now we have not seen in our lifetimes, but you can be assured that God is just as much in control now as he has ever been.  As Christians it is our duty to get on our knees and just like the Israelites of 1 Samuel 7, we need to repent for our nation.  Much can be and will be accomplished on our knees before God with a contrite heart.

              Hold up your Ebenezer, be reminded that you are not alone.  Jesus stands with you.  Do not fear but be strengthened by the knowledge that God is with you.  He will be with you through it all.

Hold up those Ebenezers and take to your knees.  The battle is upon us.

Typist for Jesus