I have prayed for this-- Message from the Heart

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Somerset, Kentucky--(SPA)---“For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore also I have let the Lord have him. As long as he lives he will be dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshipped the Lord there.”
1 Samuel 1:27-28 MEV

This chapter sets the stage for Samuel’s life and God’s purpose for him from the beginning. Samuel was to lead Israel back to God and into victory over their national enemy, the Philistines. But first, Hannah had to be willing to cooperate with God’s plan. It may appear that she was waiting on God to give her a son, and in simple terms, she was. But God was also waiting on Hannah. He had a purpose for Samuel, and Hannah had to be willing to let go of the very thing she was asking for. When, in desperation, Hannah made her vow, it was clear she was ready.

God knew the plans he had, but Hannah had to surrender and be ready. We are not to keep promises or make vows to the Lord that we cannot keep, but God truly knows our heart and our willingness to submit, surrender, and serve him. In this moment of Hannah’s sorrow and heartbreak of longing for a son, God knew the truth and genuineness behind her vow to give this Child back to the lord. (verse11). She found favor with God and his grace granted her a son. That son, Samuel would go on to lead Israel back to God and into victory over their national enemy, the Philistines. He was the last judge of Israel, anointed the 1st king, and was a great prophet. Samuel was to be used by God, but until a moment of surrender by Hannah, Gods plan could not prevail. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, she had to be willing to let go of the gift the Lord provided her to be used for a greater purpose.

Likewise, we must be willing to surrender our plans and accept what is out of our control. Just as Hannah did not plan for infertility, God often uses those times to prepare us for something greater, and a purpose beyond what we could have dreamed of. Are we willing to surrender our plans to the Lord for his? Are we so desperate for what we want that we have not consider yet what God’s will? Are we willing to give back to him that he has given us? Some situations, like Hannah’s are heart wrenching. If you like Hannah and in a situation, that’s breaking you, ask God to turn your desperation and heartache into an open heart, ready for His purposes and his will.