My precious friend, in the Bible, there is a significant moment where Prophet Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, calling it Ebenezer. For he declared, “Thus far, the Lord has helped us” (I Samuel 7:12). As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let us too proclaim, “Ebenezer!” For truly, the Lord has helped us thus far. He is indeed our Ebenezer.

Samuel set up that stone during one of the most adverse circumstances Israel had faced. He had called all the people of Israel to gather and pray together. And at that very moment, their enemies, the Philistines, marched against them as a great army to attack. Isn’t it often the case that when we set our hearts and minds to seek the Lord in prayer, the forces of darkness, wicked people, and trials seem to rise against us? You may wonder, “Why do attacks come when I pray?” But remember, my friend, it is in such moments that God reveals His mighty power, a power far greater than the greatest enemy.

As fear gripped the people, they cried out, “Pray for us, pray for us, that we may be saved from our enemies.” Samuel reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid.” He poured water, symbolising the Holy Spirit, and prayed in the Spirit. When the enemy comes against us, we often feel weak and unable to pray. But God, in His mercy, gives us His Holy Spirit to intercede for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). Samuel then sacrificed a lamb, shedding its blood. Today, we have the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed for us. Finally, Samuel lifted a confession of praise, “Lord, You are our Ebenezer. You are our Rock, our Cornerstone” (1 Corinthians 10:4).

And as he prayed and praised, the power of God moved mightily against the enemy. The Philistines could not enter the territory of Israel. They were struck down, and the Israelites regained every town and city the enemy had taken. God's power turned the battle for His people, and Samuel went on to serve the Lord with a prophetic anointing until his final days. This same victory is yours today. Let us say together, “Ebenezer! Lord, You have had mercy on us. Thank You for helping us.” Every enemy you have faced in 2024, you will not see them again in the new year. Instead, you will recover everything you have lost, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit will flow mightily in and through you. It will be a year of prophetic power and restoration like never before. I declare this blessing over you and this ministry in the name of Jesus. Amen!

PRAYER: 
Dear Lord, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for being my Ebenezer, my Rock of Help, who has carried me through every trial this year. I praise You for Your unchanging faithfulness and mercy. Lord, when the enemy came against me, You stood in my defence and gave me victory. You poured out Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me when I was weak, and Your precious blood has covered and redeemed me. Today, I confess, “Thus far, the Lord has helped me,” and I trust You to lead me into the new year with greater blessings. Restore all that has been lost, and fill me with Your anointing. Let Your power flow mightily through me, bringing glory to Your name. Guide me, Lord, as I stand firm in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.