"Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared" - Psalm 76:1 (NIV).
There was once a woman called Hannah who had a wish that was long in coming. She wished for a child but then she struggled (1 Samuel 1). After travailing in prayer her desire came true. "So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him" (1 Samuel 1:20).
Then something quite unexpected happened. Long before she concieved Hannah had made a vow, praying: "Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head" (vv 11).
So after the birth of Samuel; "When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always" (1 Samuel 1:21-22). Her husband did not object. "Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his word" (vv 23).
Two things of note here. Hannah made a promise to the Lord which she kept. Everyone one knows it is one thing to make a promise before you receive the treasure. If this was a test Hannah gladly passed. For soon after Samuel was born she did not waiver. She did not look for excuses.
Through Hannah's life we are inspired to persevere in prayer as she did. And if it means making a promise, may the Lord help us, fulfil our vows, for His glory.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you help me always keep my promises to you and that all glory goes to you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
