Scripture

“O Lord of heaven’s armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”

Observation

A man named Elkanah has two wives, one of whom, Hannah, has no children. One time, when they are at Shiloh for the annual sacrifice, Hannah goes to the Tabernacle. She is so fervent in her prayer for a son that Eli the priest thinks she is drunk.

In due course, Hannah becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, and she names him Samuel. When the boy is weaned, Hannah takes him to the tabernacle to serve the Lord.

Application

Hannah’s prayer may seem strange to some. She is desperate for a child, but she promises to give him back to the Lord if he answers her prayer. Really Hannah is recognising that she has no right to hold on to something that comes to her as a gift from the Lord.

The followers of Jesus are required to lay down their lives, take up their cross, and live only for the Lord. Everything has to be sacrificed to Him.

What God gives back then comes to us as a double grace. He is not bound to give us anything, but still He gives us more than we could ask for.

When we yield to God the desires of our heart, then He blesses us abundantly.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the paradox of grace. When I give you the things that I most desperately want, you return to me a much greater blessing. Amen.