Over the last few days I have been doing my devotions out of 1 Samuel and delving into the life of Hannah. I have uncovered so much in her story that is applicable to my life today. Hannah was barren for many years and she struggled with a rival who was continuously antagonizing and provoking her because she was unable to conceive; those would be difficult for even the strongest of women to bear. But after many years and many prayers, God proved faithful and eventually Hannah became pregnant with her son, Samuel. When Samuel had been weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the Lord and this is what she says in 1 Samuel 1 verses 27 and 28, "I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. And he worshiped the Lord there."
I must admit, as a mom of 5 I have a hard time relinquishing control of my kids to anyone. I want to have full control over what they do, where they go, who they see, what they learn and the list goes on and on. Control freak much? Ok yes, probably! But I love Hannah's heart in this passage. She acknowledges that she was given a precious gift, acknowledges who gave it to her and then gives it back to the Lord, trusting that He will do good by her son and trusting that His will and plan for Samuel's life was far better than what she could have wanted. It is so easy to say we give our children to God but actually doing it can be a different ball game. But reading the story of Hannah was like a kick in the gut for me; here was this woman who had been barren for years yet when the Lord finally grants her desire she is gracious and humble and trusting enough to give that same child back to the Lord. If she did that, why can't I?
I know the character of God well enough to know that He desires good things for my kids. I know that He has a beautiful plan and purpose for their lives. I know that He does all things well and He loves them more than I can comprehend. So here I sit, humbly coming before God and praying this prayer, "God, I give you full control over my kids, you can have their hearts, their lives, their future. I ask in your divine wisdom to fulfill your plan for their life, even if it looks different than mine. I understand God that you don't need my permission but I believe that you honor a sacrificial, humble heart. So as I sit here with tears running down my face, I give them to you trusting that you have amazing plans for them. You are the best daddy. You are a good, good Father. I place them in your care." If I truly believe that He is a good Father, if I truly believe that His plan is better than mine; I can pray this prayer earnestly and with sincerity. I want to be like Hannah, I want to be a woman who rejoices in the Lord and gives praise where it is due. I want to be like Hannah, a woman who places full trust in the Lord her God to watch over and take care of her children. Will you place your children in the hands of the Almighty today? Will you trust Him to guide and protect them? I pray you will. I pray you find peace and joy as you trust in God to fulfill His plan for their lives. He's the best daddy.
Sarah
Very good Sarah. I love the story of Hannah also. I have learned to trust God with my children fighting and kicking the whole way! Now, as a grandma, I am on the other side, praying that my daughter can find the same kind of trust in her Heavenly Father as she raises her son the best she can. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI've read the story of Hannah before and thought the same thing. I'm also a control freak, and it's very hard to let go and let God, but that's what I need to do.
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