Devotional 12-22-08

Lectionary Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-18

Marjorie was ecstatic as she pressed the numbers of the telephone when calling her parents with the news that she was pregnant. Marjorie and Greg had been told years before that the probability of her having a child was doubtful; however, she and Greg had, with their families, prayed for a miracle. They had been trying for several years to have a baby. The young couple had spent thousands of dollars on doctors and fertility drugs and were ready to stop trying, believing that perhaps adoption would be a more successful route when she learned they were going to be parents.

Unfortunately, Marjorie carried the baby for only two months. The family, naturally, was extremely saddened by their loss, yet their constant belief and trust in God gave them comfort. Marjorie frequently read the words of 1 Samuel 1:1-18 which told the story of Hannah who, too, was unable to have a child. Hannah vowed to God that if he gave her a son, she would give him to the Lord for all the days of his life. God at long last blessed Hannah, giving her a son named Samuel.

God works in ways we cannot see; he remains active in our lives even when we don't realize he's there. God is always with us. The scriptures tell us that God can sometimes tell us "no" or "wait," even when we vehemently think just the opposite. Romans 8:9 tells us that God has placed his Holy Spirit within each person who has received Christ. When at times God's plan and our plan disagree, we can feel the power of God's spirit filling our souls and giving us the strength we need during our disappointment and sadness.

Like Hannah, Marjorie believed the Lord would bless her with a child; she knew that God had a plan for her life. Following Samuel's birth, Hannah praised the Lord saying, "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no rock like our God." God is our rock and our salvation; God will take care of us and will bless us. We, as Christians, must never forget that God has a plan for our lives.

Theo Tippett