As an outdoor education camp counselor, one of my favorite activities is stacking rocks with the campers. They love to explore caves, climb rocks, and play hide-and-seek. But after a while, they get bored and are ready for the next activity.
In moments like this, I challenge the campers to collect stones and pebbles and stack them as high as possible. They build these towers so they can remember how much fun they had working together when we pass by the caves later in the day.
Stacked rocks also have significance in the Bible. Samuel built an Ebenezer after the Israelites defeated the Philistines. But why would Samuel use a rock to celebrate this victory? Ebenezers serve as reminders of God’s provision.
In Hebrew, the word Ebenezer means “stone of help.” Therefore, whenever the Israelites saw this rock when they passed between Mizpah and Shem, they were reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness in delivering them from destruction despite their fears.
Whether walking through a difficult circumstance or experiencing fear of the unknown, we can find hope in God’s faithfulness. We can consider how God has provided in past circumstances by delivering us.
Think about what Ebenezers you need to build. Whether it’s writing it on a sticky note, sharing it with a friend, or setting a reminder in your phone, these Ebenezers can point to the true character of God. And just like my campers experience joy in seeing their stacked rocks, you can find hope in the reminder that God is working in every circumstance.
Emma Conrad is a Grace College student studying psychology with a minor in creative writing. She is passionate about connecting with other believers through encouraging written words. She has written creative nonfiction articles and poems that have been selected for the annual literary magazine at her college.