Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizph and Shen. He named it Ebeneezer saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” ~ 1 Samuel 7:12
I love the start of a new year: clean schedules, new goals, hopes for the coming year. It reminds me of the feeling I got as a child when seeing the first flowers after a hard winter. Something new is coming.
I am looking forward to 2018 and I am at the edge of my seat waiting to see what God has in store for the new year: the hardships, blessings, struggles and joys I will see. I don’t know about you but I am excited. Why?
Because thus far the Lord has helped me.
In the past ten years I have seen some of my greatest heart breaks but also some of my greatest joys. God has led me though some dark times but he never left me. Every success, every failure, every gift, and every grief has brought me closer to Him. Closer to His heart. Closer to His purpose for my life.
As I get ready to jump into 2018 with the anticipation of a child on Christmas Eve, I am not naive enough to assume the road will always be smooth, every day filled with happiness, or every dream come true. But I do know that I can jump forward with confidence because no matter what the future holds. God is with me. He promises so in His word. (Deut 31:8, Joshua 1:9) But also, I know because all I have to do it look back at 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and so on. Thus far the Lord has helped me. Thus far the Lord has helped you.
He who began a good work in you…in me… will be faithful to complete it. (Phil. 1:6)
Look back on your own year. Where do you see God’s hand at work? Set up that memory as an Ebeneezer. Write it on a card, stick it on your mirror, and read it daily. That way, no matter what you face this year, you can look at that card and remember that God has been with you. He is still with you. Do not be discouraged, do not be afraid. He’s got this too.
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