Ryan Daffron

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’” — 1 Samuel 7:12

SOUNDING
People had turned toward idols and away from God, and the Philistines had dominated them for years. Under Samuel’s leadership, Israel finally gathers at Mizpah to confess their sin, remove their idols, and turn their hearts back toward the LORD.

While they are gathered in repentance, the Philistine army advances to attack. Israel is afraid, but Samuel offers a sacrifice and cries out to God on their behalf. God responds with power. Scripture says the LORD thunders loudly against the Philistines, throwing their army into confusion and driving them into retreat. Israel pursues them and wins a victory they could not have secured on their own.

After the battle, Samuel does something intentional. He sets up a stone between Mizpah and Shen and names it Ebenezer, which means “stone of help.” The monument is meant to anchor Israel’s memory. It stands as a visible reminder that their survival and victory were not the result of their strength but the result of God’s faithfulness.

Samuel’s words are simple but profound: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” That phrase captures a lifetime of divine assistance. When you look back honestly, you can see the same pattern in your own story. There were moments when you were carried more than you realized—doors that opened, protection you did not see, mercy you did not know you needed, strength that appeared when yours ran out.

“Thus far” means everything up to this point. It means that through every chapter, God has been present. And the God who has helped you this far has not finished helping you yet.

BEARING
Remembering God’s past help strengthens trust for what lies ahead.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the ways You have carried me farther than I could have gone alone.

DROP IN
Write down one moment in your life where you can clearly say, “Thus far the LORD has helped me.”