Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 1 (day two)
For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. vs. 27
How many of us have this scripture somewhere in our house? Hanging in our kids room perhaps, or in a picture frame on a shelf. Hannah is our clear example of preparing for our children. Not only does she pray for a child, but she commits him to the Lord. What an act of faith! Knowing our children are a blessing is generally accepted, but committing them to the service of the Lord takes a heart that is certain of the Lord’s promises. No matter what we have planned for our kids, the Lord has more. We will spend years training, teaching, encouraging, and correcting them when necessary, but to what end? We are not in this for vocational training. We are stewards of the next line of defense for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged and courageous. Even if you have no children of your own, you can invest in this journey with others.
God listened and heard Hannah’s heartfelt and focused prayers to have a son; and God answered. Samuel was part of His will for Hannah. She asked, made promises and God delivered. God is in total control of what He gives or provides to us. He is in total control of our lives.
Hannah is a great example for us all. If we ask and promise to God something, we must commit to our promises and deliver them. God will provide His answers in some shapes or forms to those who have faith and trust in Him. Having personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ should help secure God’s attention and answers. I am convinced!
Keeping our promises is a great personal and leadership attribute! We must deliver our promises at all costs. If we think we cannot deliver, don’t promise. We must walk our talks. We are more in tune and are more helpful to those we trust or to those who put their trust in us and when we feel we have good and trusted personal relationship with over the years! Afterall, relationship matters more than anyone can imagine!
Aaron, I was given a wall hanging of Hannah’s prayer of dedication when Robert was born from a friend who knew how long I had waited and prayed for a second child, often through tears. It hung over his bed all of his life. To see him serving the Lord in ministry fills my heart with gratitude!