A Memorial Rock

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 7:7-12

The James family stood looking at the huge oak tree lying across their front yard. During the night, a fierce storm had blown it down. “Wow!” said Julia. “If that tree had fallen just a little farther this way, it would have hit the house!”

Dad nodded. “God surely takes good care of us,” he said, placing his hand on Julia’s shoulder.

Ezra eyed the short distance from the fallen tree to the house. “Yeah,” he said in awe. “Our house isn’t damaged at all.”

“I hope I never forget all the good things God has done for us,” said Mom.

“But sometimes He lets bad things happen to us,” said Julia. “Like when Grandma got in that really bad car accident.”

“Yes, but even then, Grandma—and all of us—felt God’s comfort and peace,” said Dad. “We knew we could trust Him to care for us no matter what happened because Jesus has saved us and given us eternal life, and we’ll never be separated from Him.”

Ezra nodded. “When I get scared, it helps to remember other times when God took care of me.”

“My Sunday school teacher told us a Bible story about how Samuel set up a stone and gave it a name—kind of a funny name that meant something like ‘God helped us,’” Julia said. “Our teacher called it a memorial rock because it was set up as a reminder that God had won a battle for Israel.”

“You’re thinking of the name Ebenezer,” said Mom.

Dad grinned. “Maybe we should set up a memorial rock of our own.”

“Maybe. Or could we put together a scrapbook with pictures and stories about the times God has helped us?” Julia asked. “We could add to it whenever something special happens—like this tree missing the house.”

“Good idea,” said Ezra. “And let’s include a picture of all of us standing in front of this big tree. Whenever we see the picture, we’ll be reminded of how God took care of us.”

“We can call it our Ebenezer book,” Dad suggested. He held up his phone. “Everyone go stand next to the tree so I can take a picture. Let’s start our book today!”

-Deana L. Rogers

How About You?

Do you have a way of remembering the things the Lord has done for you? Have you received a special answer to prayer or been protected in a dangerous situation? Has He helped you through a hard class at school or provided a friend when you felt lonely? Why don’t you keep a record of what God has done for you? Let it be a reminder that He promises to help you through every difficult situation.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:12 Remember His marvelous works which He has done. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Remember God’s goodness