Hitherto
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV)
A big goal can feel like a mountain summit you can’t even see from the bottom. That is why climbers use trail markers. They tell you you’re on the right path, and how far you’ve come.
Samuel set one up after a victory. “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” Hitherto: this far. The stone looked back and said, God has brought us here.
Paul looked forward. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Do both. Mark how far God has brought you, so you don’t quit when the weather turns. Then keep pressing toward the mark.
Read it yourself
Read 1 Samuel 7:7–13. What happened just before Samuel set up the stone?
What would your “Eben-ezer” stone mark from the last few months?
Lord, hitherto you have helped me. Help me press on toward the mark. Amen.