Ebenezer

I recently re-read a journal entry I wrote on February 18, 2007 while in Africa. Here is the entry:

18.2.2007
‘On the veranda at the Gately Hotel overlooking the back lawn which leads to the vast Lake Victoria and the beginning of the river Nile. Prayed and moved through Psalm 44 on behalf of the Fountain of Life Children’s Center and church in Nairobi.

‘Why do you hide Your face?
Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
For our souls is bowed down to the dust;
Our belly clings to the ground.
Rise up: come to our help!
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!’Psalm 44: 24-26 ESV

Father, I pray that you will redeem this situation for your namesake, for your reputation amongst the peoples- do not let our enemies overcome us!’

Two days ago, I learned how the man responsible for demolishing the Church and orphan home in Nairobi was arrested on corruption charges related to his bribing of a city council official to enact the ungodly destruction of the Fountain of Life Childrens Center and six other churches in an attempt to grab the land [read update]. In addition, the high court enacted a permanent injunction against any further development on the property until the matter is fully resolved on behalf of the church and orphan home.

‘Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were routed before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.’ 1 Samuel 7:7-13

Know this day that the Lord has done mighty things. He has rescued his people. He has given a voice to the voiceless and has Fathered the fatherless. The Lord our God has heard the cries of his people. He has not turned away or hid his face. He is faithful and good. His love is limitless and his mercies are new everyday.

Let this be my Ebenezer, my stone of remembrance, for God has helped us. May you also remember the Lord and what he has accomplished in your life.

Our hope is what God will do.
Our assurance is who He is and what he has already done. Amen.