The Stone That Stands

Monday, September 8

1 Samuel 4:1-2,10,21 (NKJV)

Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek...So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter, and there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers...Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.

Devotion

There are moments that feel like defeat has the final word—when hope feels stolen, when the weight of loss presses down so hard that you start to believe the glory has departed. Ichabod. No future. No victory. No presence.

But the story didn’t end in chapter four. Because later, in 1 Samuel 7:12, a stone was placed. Its name? Ebenezer. “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Even when Israel failed, even when the ark was captured, even when the mother cried out hopelessness over her son, God had not abandoned them. And He has not abandoned you.

Proverbs 24:16 reminds us, “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Defeat is never the end for the people of God. Every fall is an invitation to rise again because the Cornerstone still stands.

Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” There is always a stone—a Cornerstone. Jesus, our help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The One who holds us steady when the battle feels lost.

The enemy whispers, “It’s over.” But God declares in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Ebenezer reminds us of this: God’s help has carried you this far, and His hand is not done. So lift your eyes from the battlefield. Look to the Stone who stands. Because He has the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). And His glory has not departed.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You that even when I feel defeated, Your help never fails (Psalm 121:1-2). When my hope feels fragile, remind me of the Cornerstone that does not move. Help me trust that You are near, fighting for me (Exodus 14:14), lifting me every time I fall, and carrying me further than I can see. Here I raise my Ebenezer. You have been my ever present help in time of need. In the Name of Jesus, the Cornerstone, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

At this pivotal moment, Israel suffered profound national and personal losses due to their sin of presumption. Yet even when our losses stem from sin, God remains merciful. As the prophet Samuel later showed, worship, repentance, and prayer pave the way for God’s redemptive response. In the wake of defeat or loss, start by humbling yourself before God. Worship Him by recalling His past help, and ask Him to supply and illuminate the path ahead. If no sin is involved and the reasons are unclear, resolve like Job to declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end, He will stand on the earth. Though my flesh may be destroyed, yet with my eyes, I will see God” (Job 19:25-26).

Resources

Catch this week’s message, “The Ebenezer Principle” from Jentezen Franklin on YouTube. 

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