March 18, 2011 A Mother's Gift

A Mother’s Gift
Read 1 Samuel 1-3

1 Samuel 1:2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

SAMUEL, Saul and David are about to enter into Israel’s history. The people of Israel reject God’s leadership to desire an earthly king—they want to be like everyone else. You can imagine what trouble they’re about to create for themselves.
But first comes Samuel. Samuel comes from Hannah, a woman who is barren.
What’s the deal with God? Why does he often choose women who are barren to become the mothers of some of his most famous leaders?
Perhaps it is to consistently remind us that he is the one in charge. He appoints people to their lives at their specific time for their specific purpose. And Samuel’s purpose is to bring Israel from generations of rejecting God into worshiping God. He would come in God’s time. The worship begins with Hannah. She has no hope of a child until she dedicates her life and the child’s life to God.
Ah, in her barrenness God has her attention. Now he has her heart. So she gives to God her son. That’s what he wanted—the beginning of worship. He wanted a godly mother to produce a godly son to lead a godly nation.
Faith to faith, generation to generation God calls you moms and dads to trust him, to even give your child over to him.
Then do so. Teach them to follow God. Let go of them spiritually and trust them to God. Then see how your child will make a difference in the world around him. Oh yes, may the blessings flow.


Pause and Consider: do you live for your children the way you teach them to live?