Ebenezer–Stone of Help

A baby cries because the crib is too large, and they don’t feel secure until they are in the arms of their parent. A toddler reaches for the hand of an adult when a loud noise frightens them. A young child turns from strangers and clings to their parent. An older child grasps the hand of the adult beside them on a rollercoaster.

Children are willing to cling to the adults in their lives without shame. They know they need help and are willing to reach out for others. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it†(Luke 18:16-17). Jesus provided a way for us to be adopted as God’s children through His death and resurrection. God wants us to come to Him for help. We also see this in Hebrews 4:16, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.â€

Yet sometimes our pride can stop us from reaching out for help, both from God and from other people. It can be difficult to ask a friend for support, to ask an adult for guidance when we don’t know what to do, or to admit when we feel scared. It can even be tough to turn to God for help. We might think we have to figure things out on our own. We might feel ashamed.

But the truth is, no one can get through life without help. God designed us to depend on Him and be in community with each other. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we have full access to God through His Holy Spirit living in us, and we are part of His family, the church. God is with us through community, and He provides other people who will pick us up when we get knocked down. And we also get to help others! As Christians, when we go through difficult days, we are never alone. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, and He will never leave us. We are part of a community created by Jesus, and God is always with us, guiding and loving us. • Emily Acker

• When do you find it difficult to ask for help?

• Who are trusted Christians in your life you can be honest with about your struggles?

• How might God be giving you opportunities to help other people who are struggling?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:2 (NLT)

Read Verses:

1Sam.7.1-1Sam.7.14