Devotions to help you on your journey of healing.

Monday, May 9, 2011

1 Samuel 1:10 Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried….16 ….It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long." 17 Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him." 18 "Think well of me-and pray for me!" she said, and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant. (MSG)

Hannah was grief stricken, couldn’t eat, was provoked by her rival, and could not even be comforted by the man who loved her.  She turned to God, again, and this time she prayed until she had an answer.  She went alone to church, poured her heart out at the altar with such intensity that she was accused of being drunk.  She pleaded with God, promised to actually give back to him the thing she was asking him for, if only he would honor her, and prayed with such tenacity that she didn’t leave until she had a firm answer from God.  When she received that word, she believed it.  So much so that it reflected on her countenance.  Her bitterness turned to joy and expectancy, even before the miracle actually occurred.  She had great faith.

What unfilled dreams do I have in my heart that I have pursued God with such tenacity about?  Do I pray until I’m done?  Do I have the willingness of heart to desire something so deeply, yet can keep it open before God?  Do I have the devotion to His plan for my life to give it back to him, in whatever way he calls me to?  Do I have the faith to believe even before my dreams come true?  Does it reflect on my face?

Lord, you are unwaveringly faithful.  Keep me in a constant state of prayer.  Thank you for unlocking dreams in my heart.  Help me to submit them all to you, and to keep an open heart to where you are leading me. 

2 comments:

  1. Hi, Jules, I heard about your blog from my friend Jocelyn. Thought I'd take a look and in just moments, I good see that we are kindred spirits. I, too, was a home-schooling mom, married to a guy I had met and served with in missions. Then after 14 years of marriage, he divorced me. The first few years after the divorce were brutal, but God has healed my heart beyond anything I could ever have imagined. However, today, I was crying out to God because my 18 year old son is struggling with depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide (from effects of the divorce on his life). I was feeling as if God is just not answering and even doubting his ability to hear. This blog entry about Hannah has really encouraged me, thank you so much.

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  2. Wow, thanks for sharing Romaine. I'm so glad you are encouraged to keep praying for your son.

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