“Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried—inconsolably. Then she made a vow:
Oh, God-of-the-Angel-Armies,
If you’ll take a good, hard look at my pain,
If you’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me
By giving me a son,
I’ll give him completely, unreservedly to you.
I’ll set him apart for a life of holy discipline. Up before dawn, they worshiped God and returned home to Ramah. Elkanah slept with Hannah his wife, and God began making the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked. Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, “I asked God for him.”
1Samuel 1:9-11; 19-20
Earlier I talked about the trip I made to Florida this summer, my Carolina Girls Trip. On that trip there were 5 women with 5 specific needs, and requests of God to answer. We all took the time to pray for each other, and really speak into each others lives over each situation. This story is specifically about Jessica.
Jessica has been trying to have a baby for 3 and 1/2 years now. She and her husband have done everything under the sun including (and I mean literally 🙂 ) standing on their head. We have prayed for her, and encouraged her every step of the way. Throughout the 3 and 1/2 years she has watched as every friend around her has had children. She has cheered with us, and been the best baby gift giver around. Never have I heard her begrudge anyone, and always been excited for everyone. She and her husband have done everything they possibly could think they needed to do to make God move for them. They got completely out of debt, they have taken care of themselves physically, followed every get pregnant scheme they could think of, but nothing seemed to move. This past summer they consulted a fertility doctor. They used nearly every medical tactic possible, but in the end nothing. Although the doctors told them there was absolutely nothing wrong with either of them, no one could explain why they were not pregnant.
In August, on our girls trip there were a few specific things that we all shared with her. I shared the story of Hannah, and how God did not respond to her embarrassment, or her desire to please her husband, God responded to her desire to please him. In another translation (NIV) 1Samuel 1:19 says “God remembered her”. The most important thing we all felt like God wanted her to know was to let go of the control. Although medical tactics are not bad, in her personal story she needed to see God be God. She had done everything in her power, now she needed to let God do it in His power.
She went home and talked it over with her husband, and sent us all an email saying they both agreed that was a word from God. She said she decided to focus on them and their marriage, enjoy their time together, and let God do his work that He has done without doctors for thousands of years. We have not heard much from her since, until about 8 a.m. this morning.
Four months ago was our trip, one month ago they conceived. No doctors, no medications, no planning, no temperatures taken just right, or any other measures except husband and wife and God’s perfect timing! She took two pregnancy tests to the doctors office and then had them draw blood to make sure. God had the perfect Christmas gift for them! Congratulations Jessica and Kevin!
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Phill. 4:6-9
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner…God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. 1Peter 4:12-13; 5:7-11
Thanks Angel! That was beautifully told. I wanted to comment that until you just posted again the Hannah story and verses, I had forgotten to tell you something. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when I was praying in my kitchen that evening, I cried out to the Lord to not forget me. So as I read, “If you’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me…” I lost it! That was my cry to the Lord just one week ago and look at the blessing He has granted to Kevin and me!!! I love you and thanks for the story.