Hannah's Gift

Have you ever wanted something so bad you were willing to make a deal in order to get it? That deal that would cost you something of great value, but for what you felt you were to gain was worth it?

In Samuel 1 we read the gut wrenching story of a woman named Hannah who also made a deal. Hannah’s story is amazing on many different levels, and yet serves as a great reminder and example to us as mothers. Starting in verse ten we read “In her anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servants misery and remember me, and forget your servant, but give her a son, then i will give him to the lord for all they days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

God heard Hannah’s request that day and gave her a son – a son that she named Samuel. From the day Samuel was born I’m sure Hannah completely devoted herself to being a great and loving mother. I’m sure each day as she cared for Samuel she realized what a gift he was and felt completely blessed. I imagine, however though some days had to have been bittersweet knowing what would eventually have to take place. Each day Hannah surely was reminded of the vow she made to her God. Reminded daily inside there would come that day when Samuel was weaned and was to be given to the Lord's work – and he was. Hannah in complete obedience, faith and love not only for her child, but for the God she served took Samuel to Eli the priest and gave him to the Lord's work. From that day forward Samuel lived in the temple with Eli the priest and served the Lord.

Imagine what that day must have been like for Hannah. The day she got him ready and made the trip to the temple knowing full well that was the day she was to let him go- let him go to do God’s work. Imagine what she might have been saying to him along the way. Imagine how her heart must have been breaking with each step they took, and yet she chose to be obedient not only to her vow, but also to her God. Picture also the moment when Hannah had to turn around and go home – go home childless. Hannah had wanted a child for so long, suffered greatly for it and here she was again with no child in her arms. Again she chose to be obedient to her vow before God and went home despite her broken heart.

This story although heartbreaking does have a wonderful ending. God blessed Hannah by giving her five more children- three sons, two daughters and she was able to see her son Samuel each year at the temple. Not that those five other children could ever replace Samuel, but you can see how God didn't allow her to remain childless- again, He blessed her.

The words of Hannah that day as she took her only son to the temple were “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of him. So, I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” These words I believe speak volumes of the love, obedience, and courage Hannah had for her God and for that she is to be respected and admired. To make a vow like that and follow through with it must have been the most difficult thing to do, yet she did it. Because of her obedience, God though was faithful to her and was with Samuel who grew up to be a great man of God. As Samuel grew he was also able to know his mother and of her great love for him. God also showed his love in that he didn’t keep the two apart.

Now for us mothers or mothers- to- be God may not be asking us to be like Hannah and do what she did, but He is asking we in our hearts dedicate our children to the Lord and His will for their lives. To realize that our children are a gift from God, and God not only loves them, but also has a plan and purpose for them. Our role as Christian mothers is to pray for our children, teach them the ways of God and steer them in the direction of the One who created them. To not force our own plans and purposes upon them, but to give them back to the Lord and let Him decide what is best for them. For when we as Christian mothers offer our children back to God for His work that is when we see the fruit of our labor. That is when we see the glory of the Lord displayed through them for God’s purposes.

So today first of all, start by thanking God for the gift of your children. Thank God for the wonderful opportunity you have been given to be a mother. Then ask God for the direction, wisdom and discernment needed to raise them according to God’s standards. Then lastly offer your children back to the Lord in your heart and dedicate them to the Lord’s purposes. Make the vow that you will do all that you can to teach your children God’s ways and most importantly that you will let God have His perfect way with them. By doing this you will even like in Hannah’s story see how that God will not only bless you with more than you can ever imagine, but how that others will be blessed by your children as well. You see Hannah was willing to give up her gift so that others could be blessed. She gave up her son – her only son at the time so he could be a gift for others!!

What About You?

1. What are some areas you can pray for your children? 2. Remind your children the good that is within them and they were made for a purpose that is God ordained.