1 Samuel 1 covers the birth of Samuel. It seems right to start with his birth and the faith story of his mother’s miraculous pregnancy. 1 & 2 Samuel consist of 55 chapters which leads me to believe that God really wants us to pay attention to this man.
While preparing for this post and praying for a story this week, I was introduced to a new friend whose name is Mark. In our very first conversation that lasted only 22 minutes, Mark opened up to me and shared that his wife had been told they wouldn’t be able to have kids without major medical assistance. He told me about miscarriages, fertility treatments, and a lot of waiting. He then shared that they now have two children.
Then Mark said “we recently were shocked to learn that we’re now expecting our third child.” This time there were no medical procedures or medications, so they are completely blown away. Praise God!
Have you heard stories like this? I have and witnessed similar stories first hand in our family. Years of heartache, miscarriages, and some medical procedures resulting in tears until late 2004 when we got past the first trimester, and in May 2005 our son Peyton was born.
We were prepared to wait years until baby two, then we absolutely believe that it was a miracle when Peyton’s brother Preston was born healthy and strong only 15 months later. No medical procedures or medications. We praise God daily for these two boys. None of the timing was our plan, but reflecting on these last 13 years we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Father God, I confess my frustration with your timing in so many life situations, but you always know what is best for us. Thank you for showing your power, love, and mercy. Amen.
And then there was Samuel’s mother, Hannah (I wonder how many palindromes are in the Bible; maybe a topic for another post). Hannah went on through many years of marriage and suffered several hardships as a result of not having children.
But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5)
Hannah’s womb was closed. God’s plan, God’s timing. Then we find Hannah praying with “troubled spirit”. So troubled that she was thought to be drunk. In this event, Eli the priest listens to her story and tells her that God will grant her petition.
This distraught woman’s spirit turns from mourning to peaceful and we also find her worshipping. Soon after these events Hannah becomes pregnant and with much jubilation and Glory to God, Samuel is born. I love it when God shows off!
May we seek his plan, turn our hearts to obedience, and our worry into worship today and every day. In the name of Jesus Christ our king. Amen.
Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 1 & Psalm 2