Ebenezer

In 1 Samuel you can read the story of the ark, God's presence with His people, has been taken by the Philistines and Israel regains it. After they get the ark back, Samuel sets up stones to make an Ebenezer to show how God has helped His people (1 Samuel 7:12). An Ebenezer is means "stone of help" and is a sign of remembrance of God's provision...something to look back on to be reminded of His faithfulness. 

We have had many of those in our life. We have had many of these in this journey so far. The fact that God has provided the funds for Maddy's medical expenses and has clearly pointed us down the path to take, that has been our most recent Ebenezer. Today I had another moment of reflection. Yesterday I asked for prayers for all the anxiety that seems to be laying below the surface. Today was my first day for my new tutoring job where I get to teach English to Chinese students via internet. I had to be up at 5:40am. When I went to wake up the kids, I was awake and interactive and felt SO rested. I took the kids to school early...the first time EVER...and August and I ran errands. 

As I was coming home from all the errands, I was thinking, "Man, I am so grateful for the prayers of so many. Even though today didn't give the direction I had hoped (the appt office was closed so we have to call back tomorrow), I feel at peace."

In that moment, the song "Sovereign" by Aaron Keyes came on the internet (Listen here). This was the part that played the moment that thought popped in my mind:

Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley You are faithful
Youʼre working for our good, Youʼre working for our good and for your glory

I cried! In that moment, that reminder was so good. Even though this is hard and not the path I would like to be on, I am grateful that God is sovereign. I write this for me so that when the days are rough, I can read this...listen to this song...and remember the Ebenezer - God putting this song on at the exact moment for me to be reminded of His plan through it all.