We all love a good victory story, but let’s be honest: true, lasting faith isn’t born in a vacuum. It is forged in the middle of battles, tested by fire, and proven over decades of consistency.

As we gather to celebrate a monumental milestone—Cornerstone Church’s 39th anniversary—we are doing more than just looking back at the calendar. We are marking a spiritual shift. To help us lean into this pivotal moment, special guest speaker Pastor Tony Suárez brought an urgent, prophetic, and deeply encouraging word from 1 Samuel 7.

If you’ve felt a bit weary, if recent seasons have knocked the wind out of you, or if you are standing on the precipice of your own “next season,” this message is specifically for you.

The Reality of the Battle

Pastor Tony began with a refreshing dose of pragmatic faith: “You can’t have a message without a mess. You can’t have a testimony without a trial.” Too often in our walk of faith, we assume that following God means a life free of heavy blows. But in 1 Samuel 5 and 6, Israel faced a defeat so devastating they lost 30,000 soldiers, the High Priest died of shock, and the Ark of the Covenant—the literal manifestation of God’s presence among them—was captured by the enemy.

In their grief, a child was born and named Ichabod, meaning, “The glory has departed.”

Have you ever been there? Have you ever named a permanent part of your life after a temporary season of pain? Have you looked at your circumstances, your finances, or your family and felt like the wind had been completely knocked out of you?

Chaos in the Enemy’s Camp

While Israel was mourning, something entirely different was happening inside the camp of their enemies, the Philistines. They thought they had won. They thought they had captured God.

But Pastor Tony reminded us of a powerful spiritual truth: The enemy might try to steal what belongs to you, but he cannot sustain it. The Philistines quickly realized that the Ark of God was tearing down their idols, causing plagues, and bringing absolute frustration to their camp. It wasn’t long before they had a meeting and decided, “We have to give this back. And we can’t just give it back empty-handed—we have to pay retributions for the damage we caused!”

“The spirit of debt, the spirit of addiction, the spirit of poverty that has tried to afflict you cannot keep what belongs to you. Not only is restoration coming, but retribution is coming. You will receive seven times more than what the enemy tried to steal!”

Ebenezer: The Stone of Help

This brings us to the climax of the message in 1 Samuel 7:12-13:

“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.’ So the Philistines were subdued and they did not invade Israel’s territory again. Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines.”

Pastor Tony challenged every listener to take Samuel’s name out of that verse and insert their own.

For 39 years, Cornerstone Church has been a place where people from all walks of life come together to worship, learn, and grow. Through every trial, every transition, and every cultural shift, God has built this house on a solid foundation.

Setting up an “Ebenezer” means stopping to declare: “The Lord has brought us this far.” It is an intentional monument of gratitude for past faithfulness that gives us the courage to imagine the future.

Moving Beyond 40: The Season of Isaac

In biblical numerology, the number 40 represents a generation, testing, and transition. As Cornerstone moves toward its 40th year and beyond, Pastor Tony released a prophetic expectation for the days ahead.

The first generation had to plow, break ground, fight intense spiritual battles, and build the foundation. But the next season is the season of the Isaacs—a generation that will re-dig the wells of Abraham and step into inherited favor.

What’s coming next will not require the exhausting friction of the past. You are stepping onto a foundation that has already been paved with 39 years of prayers, tears, and radical generosity. The gates of hell will not prevail, and the hand of the Lord will continue to stand against the adversaries of your destiny.

Take Action: Your Return to Joy

If you missed the live service or need to hear these declarations wash over your spirit again, we highly encourage you to go back and watch the full replay.

Let’s carry this word into our week:

  1. Stop calling your situation Ichabod. The glory has not departed; God is preparing a comeback.

  2. Expect a return. Praise God in advance for the restoration of your joy, your family, and your peace.

  3. Set up your Ebenezer. Reflect on your own life and thank God for how far He has already brought you.

Thank you, Pastor Tony Suárez, for declaring this timely word over our community. Together, let’s look ahead with anticipation to see the amazing things God will do next!

Watch the Full Anniversary Sermon on YouTube Here