 2019 has been an amazing year for me. God helped and provided a way for me to regain my sense of hearing. Through cochlear implants. God provided a stone of help. Two stones of help. One for the right ear and one for the left. 😉
Going from near deafening silence to the doors of the hearing world busting wide open again has truly made it a phenomenal year. For over seven years all I could do was believe. Well, most days. Believe that God allowed this seemingly catastrophic disease to plague my life and leave me in near deafening silence for His glory. Yes, for His glory. I didn’t know what that would look like. Honestly, I still really don’t. But I know there is a purpose for my life. And I know as I walk it out I will continue to give God glory. Father, Oh, we are so grateful. Grateful that we can believe in You. We can rely on You. We can place our hope in You. Thank You! Thank You for all of our stones of help. In Jesus Name, Amen. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word do I hope. Psalm 130:5  Then Samuel took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us!” 1 Samuel 7:12 NIV
The stone, to me, is like a milestone marker. Milestones markers were initially carved from stones. Today, we call them mile markers and they can be seen as you journey along the highways and byways. They are most useful when you need help and need to let someone know where you are located on the path. Samuel set up a stone to note the significance of God’s help. One could call it a memory marker for him and for the people of just how good God had been. This week, what if we carved some time out of our busy schedules and identified a milestone or two which occurred in 2019 that we want to remember. So, maybe there has been a time this year where God has helped to deliver you. Maybe God has helped and healed you. Maybe He has helped and provided an unforeseen way. What battles have you gone through and God has helped? And now you have victory through God in Christ. Name it. Give it a name. Give the victory a name. Write it down, too. In your journal or even in your electronic device. As we start wrapping up this year, what if we spent the remaining few weeks reflecting back on the goodness of God. And praise HIM for it. Maybe you will even feel lead to share your story with someone else who needs a word of encouragement. A word to help. 😁 Until next time, Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz  As Samuel was crying out to the LORD for the Israelites the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. (Found in 1 Samuel 7:9&10)
Now when the Philistines drew near to attack Israel I am sure they expected a victory. After all the Philistines had defeated the Israelites previously. From the Philistines view it didn’t look like anything had changed. From where they were positioned everything looked the same. The Israelites were prime targets for a takeover. There was a difference though. There was something that had happened that was not visible to the naked eye from afar. See, if the Philistines just came a little closer. If the Philistines had just spent some quality time with the Israelites. If they had been able to listen closely to the Israelites conversations. If they had been able to observe their interactions. They would’ve known. The Israelites had truly repented. The Israelites had a change of heart. They were wholeheartedly sold out to God. In fear they sought the One Who they knew could make a difference. The end result this time. The LORD thundered with a mighty sound that day and threw the Philistines into confusion and they were defeated before Israel. The Philistines were subdued and did not enter the territory of Israel any more all the days of Samuel. And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel and there was peace. Father, Let me be reminded in all situations and circumstances to seek You. The Difference Maker. I want to live a life that is wholeheartedly sold out for You reflective in my day to day walk for all the world to see. If there is anything in my life, in my heart, that needs to change I ask that You have Your way. In Jesus Name, Amen. Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM, Liz |
Hey There! I'm LizFounder of Ezra728 with a purpose of creating inspiring messages to strengthen and encourage primarily us gals across the globe. Guys, don't fret. You are definitely welcome, too. Archives
March 2021
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