“Ebenezer”: Stone of Help (Day 11)

Verse of the Day
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’" – 1 Samuel 7:12


My journey of faith began very early. As a child, my kindergarten and my church were in the same place. Faith was not separate from life. It was part of my daily world. I watched my father serve as a deacon, working quietly and faithfully. From him, I learned what it means to follow Jesus.

My faith has deep roots. My maternal grandfather became a pastor through the witness of American missionaries during the Qing Dynasty. From my grandfather to my son, we are now four generations of believers. Their prayers and example shaped my life.

One of the hardest seasons came during the Cultural Revolution. Churches were closed. We could not gather publicly. So we worshiped quietly in our homes. Our faith became personal and real. We learned that the church is not a building, but God’s people.

After that difficult time, a joyful moment came. When churches reopened, my mother became the first church elder in Shanghai. Her leadership was the fruit of years of quiet faithfulness. I saw God’s restoration with my own eyes.

My favorite hymn is Amazing Grace. Its words tell my story: grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 

Today, I live in Houlton, Maine, close to my family. The people here are kind and welcoming. Through every season, God has been faithful. This is my story—a journey of grace across generations. – Hong Wang


Thought for the Day
Where can you place an “Ebenezer” in your life today—a simple way to remember where the Lord has helped you—and how will that memory help you trust His provision for the next step?

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