Then Eli answered and said “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him…” So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1: 17, 20, NKJV
Dear Lord, what a privilege it is to know that we can carry everything to You in prayer. Now teach us, we pray, for Jesus’ sake; Amen
Today, our story is about a woman, who wanted to have a child, but could not conceive. In her society, that was not a good position to find yourself in. It was considered a thing of reproach to be childless. Listen to the words of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, after she conceived, “God has taken away my reproach” (Genesis 30: 23, NRSV). I would just like to pause here and say the following: Women, our worth has nothing to do with our womb; and our child-bearing capacity. It is a marvelous thing to be granted a part in the process of procreation; but that ability is not what makes us precious in the sight of God. He loves us just as we are; and died for the women who do not have children, as well as those who have!
Women are valuable because they are a special part of God’s creation. We are His daughters! At the end of creation week, God looked around and pronounced everything that He had created, “very good,” except, for the fact, that the woman was missing! The only thing God saw that was not good, was, “that the man should be alone” (2: 18). The woman was needed to make creation complete! Women, we are priceless! That has nothing to do with whether or not, we can have children. Let us never forget that!
The other half of this devotional is to encourage women who do want to have children, and have done all that you can, to no avail. If you believe that God would have you become a parent, then do not give up! Just be willing to surrender to God’s will. At every step of the process, keep two things before you, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19: 26); and, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84: 11). When we believe that our petition is a “good thing,” in the sight of God, then keep on praying!
After Hannah prayed, and was given the assurance that her request would be granted, she acted as one whose petition was already granted. Scripture says: “So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1: 18). In other words, she took God at His word. No matter what you see, or hear, after you have prayed, only believe! God is able! And He honors the faith of those who choose to believe Him, against all odds!
Then, when God grants you your petition, remember to give Him thanks! You can do it the way Hannah did, in prayer and praise to the Lord (1 Samuel 2: 1-10). Or, you can share your testimony with others (Psalm 22: 22). Or you may choose to do it both ways. I believe it does God’s heart much good, when we remember to give Him thanks. But it also does us good. Thanksgiving encourages the person who is giving thanks, as well as those who are listening; and it brings glory to God, who deserves it!
Note: There was some editing done to yesterday’s devotional. My apologies.