If you are like me and grew up in church there are Bible
stories we’ve heard so many times. So many times that we know them and have
such a familiarity with them that we might not pay as much attention when we
hear a message. The story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1 & 2) is one of them. I’ve
heard the story ministered and the emphasis seemed to always be that Hannah
prayed for a son and God answered her petition. Nothing more or less. Straightforward.
End of message. Aww but Hannah in desperation went to the House of the Lord,
prayed in anguish for the Lord to open her womb. She was barren. To add insult to
injury her husband’s other wife made fun of her. Recently her story was
illuminated in a whole new way by the Holy Spirit to calm my anxious heart concerning
my son, college, and my future. Now before you get excited do know that I have
not been praying for a kid! A good GOD chasing man is welcomed but I ain’t here
for diaper duty.
I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be wife #2. That’s
a definite no. The other wife was petty. I have read and heard, even witnessed
firsthand the pain of those who desire children and have been unable to reproduce.
I have prayed with and for couples who are barren. I can imagine Hannah
presenting her request at the altar. She was unashamed of her deep need for an
answer from the only who would could say yes. She laid it all out! Ever so
gently the Lord reminded me of the times I spent praying praying for my son, for his
future, his life. He reminded me that there are desires and dreams that I have
laid at his feet, bathed in tears and pieces of my broken heart. Days when I
felt like folks were wondering why I would throw myself at the feet of Jesus
during worship.
The reality is I knew it is/was because I’ve carried dreams
(seeds) inside of me that have yet to be born. I need them to produce. It is/was
because I recognized my limitations as a single parent. Like Hannah during
those times when my world was titled off course, I asked God to sustain me. I
pleaded with him to take care of my son with His resources. He is still doing
great things. I know that my best days are still ahead. Krystopher is college
bound soon. That my barrenness in specific areas will soon end. I’ll have an
even greater testimony to encourage someone. Whatever you are tempted to give
up on. Don’t! What you have been praying and praying and praying for year after
year after year like Hannah has not gone unnoticed by the King of the world.
Make
the scripture personal: “For this ______ I have prayed
and
the lord has given me what I asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:27
Stay in faith,

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