Daily Dose 5-7-14

Samuel 1:19-21 Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to[i] the LORD.” Then they would go home. And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

Hannah certainly believed in the power of prayer! She desperately cried out to the LORD for a child – like many of us who offer desperate prayers. She made a promise to God if He would bless her with her request – like many of us do. However, Hannah’s follow-through was unique. She had promised to dedicate the child she desperately prayed for to the LORD – and she did. Not just by her teaching, but she literaly gave her son to Eli to be raised by the priest who blessed her prayer of anguish. Imagine the prayers Hannah prayed over Samuel while she was separated from him. Imagine the joyful tears of blessing that went into each stitch of the robes she made for him every year. When you make promises to the LORD – remember and fulfill! He never forgets His promises to us!

Father, I have made many promises over the years. Some I have obediently fulfilled, some half-hearted, and some have been forgotten. Prick my heart to remember and give me the courage and strength to follow through. Thank You for keeping all of Your promises. I love You! Amen