Soon after I came to the US as an international student, I realized that I couldn’t get along in the country without a car. So I relied on the generosity of friends to give me rides. In time I began praying to God, expressing my belief that He would provide when He knew I most needed a vehicle. Amazingly, on my birthday before my senior year of college, a family I knew gave me their used car as a gift!
Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel brings inspiration for us to be persistent in our prayer life. Such practice doesn’t guarantee God will give us what we want, but we can be sure He’s there and that He cares. The journey Hannah went through before she received what she asked for was perhaps more important than her request.
Hannah had a painful problem. She couldn’t have children, which in that culture was considered a divine curse (1 Samuel 1:5-6). And if that wasn’t enough, she was being mocked for it as well (1 Samuel 1:6). But in spite of her challenges, year after year she joined her family to worship God at the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:7). She didn’t give up on God.
On one occasion when she went to worship, Hannah was in such distress that she poured out her heart “in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord ” (1 Samuel 1:10). She could have cursed Him, could have become angry and bitter, or could have stopped praying. Yet she continued to trust in God’s goodness. And in His perfect timing He answered her plea (1 Samuel 1:20).
God is actively engaged in our lives today, and “he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him” (1 John 5:14). May we trust in His goodness even when the answers don’t come or aren’t what we desire.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 1:57-80
More:
Read Hebrews 11:1-16 and consider the definition of faith and the many examples of ordinary people who lived it out.
Next:
What circumstances are you going through that require faith in God’s goodness? The writer of Hebrews says faith “is the evidence of things we cannot see” with our human eyes (Hebrews 11:1). What does that look like for you today?
darylcrisp on June 8, 2017 at 2:39 am
I love the DailyJourney. I usually read it around 3am after my evening shift at work, with the dogs and cats fed, walked, snoring, and the whole house alive with breathing. It ends that “day” for me with deep deep thoughts on God things.
Tonight(everyone elses morning) has been so on time for me. I’ve went thru a 9 month period witnessing Gods direct faithfulness in my life. The most extreme challenge I’ve endured in my lifetime to date. But His presence has been felt from the very moment my faith was put to test. More than a few times I’ve felt overwhelmed with matters during these months, that I saw no way to work out. Each time I left the matter with God fully. Each and every time, He came in and finished the outcome to my good. Some of the events were astounding to witness as they unfolded.
My time of testing continues, matters still lay open that will need to close, but as each day opens with a peaceful night of rest, I am assured of His presence, Grace and Mercy extended to me. These days will be a forever memory of the journey my Father walked with me. Even now, knowing what has happened and what I have endured, I would not pick the path I had to walk-my human weakness would prevent that. But thru it all, I have been restored, renewed, and have been given a blessed and powerful life to continue to live.
I thank our God for every moment of my life He has given me. He has never left me.
godlove on June 8, 2017 at 5:30 am
Thank you for sharing, daryl. Your continued trust in GOD, in spite of the circumstances and challenges you face, is evidence of your faith in Him. I can identify completely with your story. During such times of trials and testing, prayers and the assurance that GOD hears and cares have always been my only anchor. As Philippians 4.6 reads, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Blessings to you, dear friend, I have prayed for you, too. And keep faith, our God is faithful.
corgimom on June 8, 2017 at 5:43 am
Thank you, Daryl, for sharing. I can certainly relate to your statement, “Even now knowing … I would not pick [this] path…” because we all are human, after all! But you have grown in your faith to recognize that God is always faithful, in His time and in His way, both of which are superior to our limited knowledge. Bless your day and your life. I will remember you in my prayers today.
Estera Pirosca Escobar on June 8, 2017 at 10:54 am
Thank you, Daryl, for sharing and opening your heart with the Our Daily Journey community in such a vulnerable way. I, too, can relate. In the last week I’ve been going through a very difficult time where God’s answer was not what I desired. But nonetheless, I can feel His love, approval, strength, and He is my refuge every day. Although I don’t understand, I know He does, and that’s enough for me.
I pray God will continue to strengthen you as you are being tested and going through difficult times. He is with you, He is your refuge, He is walking with you hand in hand. Blessings!
Gary Shultz on June 8, 2017 at 6:05 am
Hi Estera: It was great to hear from the other two guys. All of what they describe, and the attitude that is found in 1Sam, is the one that will carry us through. When pressed turn to the Lord. The other nice thing we certain can and should be close in walk with God anyway. But those big events, or pulls on life, call for a real laying it all before God and pouring our heart out to Him. He hears, He loves and will strengthen us for where we are or what we will be facing. Hannah’s attitude, and approach made all the difference, and with peace she was able to walk a life of confidence. Blessing or not she was in touch and on course with a loving God. The priceless value of a life-walk with God. The picture of a child and their Father, what a powerful testimony of faith and faithfulness. Thanks Estera
Estera Pirosca Escobar on June 8, 2017 at 11:02 am
Thank you, Gary, for your great comments. I really like how you described Hannah, “she was in touch and on course with a loving God.” Even though her heart was hurting and some around her did not understand, she didn’t give up on God, because she knew He was her only hope. He acknowledged He was sovereign and she willingly submitted herself to His will. May God help each one of us to do the same, knowing that if we do, we will find comfort and strength.
egenasunny on June 8, 2017 at 8:35 am
At times it is quite difficult to accept a No NO from God especially when one is fixated on achieving or obtaining a particular thing. The realisation is that it is actually only God who is in charge and knows what is best for His children. May we be brought to this realisation in Jesus name, Amen.
Estera Pirosca Escobar on June 8, 2017 at 11:04 am
Thank you, Egenasunny. Indeed, how true it is that God is sovereign, He is on the throne, and we are not. And not only that, but He is a Good Father who hears and cares and acts. He is not distant, but involved. How beautiful is that hope!
rickzike1 on June 8, 2017 at 12:34 pm
As a 61-year-old disabled man, I depend on God to supply all of my needs. I did live in our church’s shelter for men but now have my own place…PRAISE THE LORD!!! Abba Father, You know my needs and my desire to have a car Lord. So as with all things..I depend on God’s blessing, grace and favor!!!
Estera Pirosca Escobar on June 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm
We join you in prayer, Rick, that God would indeed give you the desires of your heart, according to His mercy and grace. God is for you, not against you, and He loves you deeply. He knows your deepest needs and longings.