Growing up I had certain toys that I loved to play with. My favorite ones were a shiny green John-Deere tractor, a 2-foot long semi-truck trailer, and a truck. These three toys were nothing special, any regular boy would love to play with them. When a friend would come over to play, I would offer him all kinds of other toys but not the ones that were special to me. Though it was a tough lesson, I eventually did learn to share. At an early age, we learn the emotional pain of giving something up that is precious to you. The one thing that pains us so much to give up may be the very thing that God desires from us.
As we approach Mother’s Day, I can’t help but reflect upon the life of Hannah. She gave her firstborn son back to God. She gave this gift to God without any guarantee that she would have any more children. I Samuel 1:28, “I now give the boy to the Lord. For as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” This Hebrew word for “requested” has to do with the meaning of Samuel’s name. It literally means “to give over” or “to grant” what was requested. Hannah had received the son she requested and she now grants her son to the service of the Lord.
Can you imagine the emotional struggle she went through leading up to that moment? Three years she cared for Samuel, loving that newborn like only a mom can. The time came for her to fulfill the vow she made to the Lord and she trusted the Lord and moved forward in faith, never looking back. I Samuel 2:21, “The Lord paid attention to Hannah’s need, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.” This is an incredible verse! God knew the sacrifice Hannah had made and blessed her with more children. He rewarded her trust and faith in Him. God operates that way!
What has God asked you to trust Him with? Recently, God has spoken to Terri and me about leaving a secure paycheck with benefits. We are moving forward in faith and have resigned from Trinity Southern Baptist Church in Casa Grande, Arizona. We have loved people, ministered to families, built friendships and made memories here for nearly ten years. It is an emotional struggle to let go and trust God. I am still that small child wanting to hold onto my security. But God wants us to trust Him! What is it that God is asking you to trust Him with today? Trust Him, Have faith in God. He will take care of you and reward you for your faithfulness.
