When our home was under construction, my husband, John, and I watched the progress almost daily. As the ground was made ready, several large rocks were extricated from the ground and set aside in the vacant lot next door. I eyed them. I wanted them and gave instructions to the builder to keep those rocks for me. One was larger than the others and in my mind I named it Ebenezer.
It seemed special. I had no idea how significant it would become. As the landscaping was completed, that largest rock was placed in the corner of our back yard, like a sentinel keeping watch.
Three years after we moved in, John was diagnosed with cancer. I often stood in the back yard talking to God, my eyes on Ebenezer. As the disease progressed, I continued to say, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!”
I’ve desired that others know the story of Ebenezer. I thought it would be cool to have the name etched on it. After checking with various rock etching places, I discovered they either wanted to etch a rock they already had, or I would have to bring the rock to them. Not happening. Now, twelve years later and six years after John’s death, the rock remains visually unnamed. But to visitors in my back yard, I tell my story about how God has been with me on this journey.
The Lord is still helping me.
“Samuel then 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 (NLT)
