A Stone Named Ebeneezer?

Do you know what this is? It’s not a rock-it’s a stone. Have you ever wonder what the difference is between a rock and a stone? If I see this rock in the woods or wherever, it’s called a ‘rock’ but if I take it from its natural place and put it in my garden, it’s called a ‘stone’. The rock itself hasn’t changed but what’s being used for has, that’s why its name has changed.

Why would someone want to keep a rock they found? Maybe it’s to remind them of where they’ve been or of a special place or time. Maybe it reminds them of something special that happened.

I believe that God thinks stones are very important. Look how many He made! I can’t even count how many stones are in my yard!

In the bible, Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He even gave the stone a name. He named it Ebenezer, which means ‘the stone of help’ for he said, ‘up to this point the Lord has helped us.’ I Sam. 7:12.

Many times in the bible a stone or a pile of stones has been used as a reminder of how God has helped someone. The stories of Noah, Joshua, Jacob, and Samuel are just a few.

If you’re old enough to write, start writing down things you pray and ask God for then go back and write down how He answered your prayer. When you get a little older you can go back and see how God was faithful to answer your prayer. This prayer journal is a type of Ebenezer stone. An Ebenezer stone is anything that reminds us of how God has helped us.

When you go home today, I’d like for each of you to find a special stone and put it in a special place to remind you of God’s faithfulness, His mercy in His forgiveness, and how He is always there to help you.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there to help us. I pray that we will always remember your faithfulness and mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.