The men of Israel chased them from Mizpah to a place below Beth-car, slaughtering them all along the way. Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us!” – 1 Samuel 7:11–12
The American painter John Sargent once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by critics. It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. And although he was offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it.
When asked why he would never sell this painting, Sargent said he considered it his best work and was very proud of it. So whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, “I painted that.” Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.
In spiritual life, it’s important to set up milestones so you can remember where God has come through for you in the past. Maybe that means you start a journal so you can write down how God has blessed you, and then go back and read it. Or perhaps it means you take an old shoebox and put things in it that remind you of God’s faithful provision in your life.
However you do it, God’s blessings are worth being remembered so that you can move forward with full confidence in Him. So find a creative way to continually remember God’s faithfulness in your life. When you do, you’ll be ready to receive and recognize all the blessings He has yet to give you!
Prayer Challenge
Pray and ask God to bring to mind ways He’s blessed you in the past. Reflect on them and find ways to remember them often.
Questions for Thought
What’s one tangible thing you can start doing today to remind yourself of God’s provision in your life?
What are some specific ways in which God has blessed you?