The Faithfulness of God

Tuesday, September 9

1 Samuel 7:10,12 (KJV)

And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and so discomfited them; that they were smitten before Israel… Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

Devotion

On “that day,” as the ark of the covenant representing the Presence of God was being returned, a battle by the Philistines was planned. But the God of Israel met them with a mighty thunderous sound to confuse them. What the enemy meant for their demise, God reversed the outcome, and Israel took them over instead. So fitting is this for our God. For when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard (a banner of victory) against him. (Isaiah 59:19)

The Faithful One has seen to our victory. He has drafted a blueprint before the beginning of time, to profit us and not harm us. Though we do not always see His hand, that does not mean He’s not moving. And though we do not always understand, that does not mean the all-knowing God is not preparing good things for us. His very nature of mercy drives Him to care for us. In this He delights and is good at it.

We must remember His goodness to help us stand when times are hard. It is important to erect memorials in our hearts so we can go back and remember His faithfulness. Just like the prophet Samuel did, when he took a stone and called the place of Israel’s deliverance “Ebenezer,” saying, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,” meaning, “up to and including now, the Lord has helped us.” This careful choice of words indicated future provision. It spoke of God’s faithfulness up to (past) and including now (present). And because God’s character never changes, He will not stop now. He has our future covered.

God’s Word provides a memorial stone to steady us. This Word from the Lord covers times past, present, and future: “This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I hope in Him! The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:21-26)

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to thank You for all the times You have rescued me, including the “near misses” I never even saw. Your goodness fills my soul. I have tasted and seen that You are good and that Your mercy endures forever. I will remember You throughout the day and when I lay down to rest. May I never take Your Presence for granted, as Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

We too can have a “Book of Remembrance,” a book of gratitude remembering the times when God answered prayers, opened doors, and moved miraculously, doing what no human hand could accomplish. Start journaling, going over the past year, writing down your journey and victories won. Not only will it be an encouragement at seeing God’s hand, but it could provide clues to future victories.

Resources
  • Ever wondered what truly happened when you chose to follow Christ? Grow your faith by exploring Salvation basics at freechapel.org/salvation.