I’ve been here in the Middle East for about three weeks now, and it’s amazing to see how fast everything is moving and how much I’ve been adjusting over such a short time! Everything is new—a new city, new streets, new people, new apartment, new language, new food… I’m learning something new and encountering something different every day and it’s a little overwhelming to say the least! But it’s been so good. God has provided more than enough.
These past few weeks, I’ve been overwhelmed by more than adjusting to life in a different culture, but also by how grateful I am by God’s provision. My roommates and I have a roof over our head and a great team helping us learn how to live life here. We have food in our home and sunshine through our windows. We have a God who loves us more than anything.
Yet, there’s still a little something inside of me that still wonders if he’s gonna do it again—if he is going to provide the best way for me to learn language or provide my residence permit when I need it. But then I remember how much he has provided already. Why wouldn’t he do it again? Why wouldn’t he provide the extra means I need to stay in the place he’s called me to?
And when I worried about my plane flights and packing and covid testing, I looked back on how God provided all the financial support I needed to pay for these expenses in the first place. Again, when I worried about raising enough support, I looked back on how God provided finances for other short-term trips and college tuition. And again, when I stressed about which college to go to, God showed me the way and gave me the courage to move forward. Time and time again, God has provided and guided and strengthened me. When I remember the Lord’s faithfulness throughout my past, he gives me reassurance, boldness, confidence, and peace.
Back when Samuel was the leader of Israel, the Philistines were going to attack them at Mizpah, but Samuel cried out to God. The Lord answered him and came with loud thunder, which caused the Philistines to panic so greatly that were routed before the Israelites and subdued (1 Samuel 7). After their victory, the Lord’s victory, Samuel did something interesting. He set up a stone, using it as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
“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)
Memories of God’s help in my life are like little Ebenezers built up in my heart. They're memories I can look back on, take a deep breath, and remember that God is with me. Other things that I keep on my body or on the shelves and walls of my room are often little Ebenezers, reminders of the Lord’s goodness. Some people write words on their hands, wear jewelry, or get tattoos. Some people write Bible verses and post them in their bathroom to see as they get ready every morning. Establishing these things up are ways to remember the truth when circumstances get difficult or stressful. They remind you that God is faithful even when it’s hard to believe in a moment of despair.
God has never left my side. He has never left your side. And an Ebenezer is a reminder of the truth that he "will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)