“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of ActsSample

The Ebenezer Moment

In 1 Samuel 7, after a victory over the Philistines, the prophet Samuel set up a big stone and called it Ebenezer. It means, thus far the Lord has helped us. (1 Samuel 7:12) Ebenezers are signposts that remind us of God's faithfulness.

As we travel through the disheartening land of “in between normals,” don’t we all need some Ebenezers to remind us of God’s faithfulness?

Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us

In today's reading, we see Paul standing before a hostile crowd. He was accused of acting against the Jewish people, the Law, and the Temple! (20:28) In his defence, Paul gave a passionate speech! But interestingly, his speech sounded more like a testimony than a legal defense. Let's pause for just a moment. What do you think was going on in Paul's heart when he delivered his speech?

The more I read his "defense," the more I feel that it sounds like a soliloquy. Paul was actually speaking to himself! His "story" was his own Ebenezer! He recounted his "former life" as a persecutor of the church and how he encountered Jesus on his way to Damascus. It got even more personal, and probably emotional, when Paul explained God's calling. Speaking on behalf of God, Ananias told Paul, "The God of our ancestors has chosen you ... You will be his witness ..." (22:14-15)

“Me? The God of my ancestors has chosen me? A wicked man like me?” he thought to himself.

Paul carried on with his story, then, “the Lord speaking to me..." (22:18)

As the crowd got louder and louder, I could only imagine Paul's heart getting calmer and calmer. He has recently written to the church in Rome and said, "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

My friend, perhaps we should all set up some kind of Ebenezer today! I keep mementos that remind me of special experiences with God. I also write journals to detail God’s grace in my life. Whatever the format, the goal is to be reminded of our God’s faithfulness!

Ebenezer! Thus far the Lord has helped us! He has been! And He will be!

Reflection:

When was the last time you recounted how God has helped you? How did that make you feel? How can you create some physical signposts to remind you of God's faithfulness?