MIRACULOUS BIRTHS: SAMUEL
Read it
1 Samuel 1:27-28
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. And he worshiped the Lord there.
Discover It
The birth of Samuel is narrated in the First Book of Samuel in the Bible. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, was barren and deeply distressed by her inability to conceive. During an annual pilgrimage to the tabernacle at Shiloh, Hannah prayed fervently, pouring out her heart to God and vowing that if she were granted a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service. Eli, the high priest, initially misunderstood her intense prayer, thinking she was drunk, but upon learning her true plight, he blessed her. Subsequently, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard by God." True to her vow, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah presented him to Eli at the tabernacle, where he grew up under the priest's guidance, eventually becoming a significant prophet and judge in Israel. The story of Samuel's birth exemplifies the transformative power of prayer and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling the desires of a devoted heart.
Ask It
1. Hannah was childless and barren, but she asked God, and he gave her a son. Does God always answer “yes” to our prayers and our desires? How do we know what to pray for? (Hint: Read Psalm 37:4-5)
2. Why did Hannah give her son Samuel to be devoted to the service of the Lord? Why should parents always dedicate their children to God?
3. Samuel grew to be a great prophet in Israel. Why should children, accept God’s plan for their lives? What happens to those who are not fully devoted to the Lord?
Live It
1. Share Your Desires with God! God knows your heart anyway, so be honest with Him. Let the Lord know your dreams and desires. But always couple your prayers with the phrase, “Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:10)
2. Share Your Family with God! Dedicate your children to the Lord. Encourage your spouse to be on fire for Him and volunteer in His service. Advise your whole family to be devoted to God’s plan!
3. Share Your Story with Others! The story of Samuel has echoed down through the ages. Tell the great stories in your life of what God has done when you and your family members have become sold out for Him!
Pray It
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart of gratitude. I acknowledge your sovereignty and goodness in my life and ask for a family that is fully devoted to you. Grant us the wisdom to seek your will in all that we do, both individually and as a family. Help us to prioritize our relationship with you above all else, recognizing that you are the source of true joy, peace, and fulfillment. Fill our home with your love, grace, and presence. May our conversations be filled with words of encouragement and kindness, and may our actions reflect the love and compassion that you have shown us. Help us to be a shining light in our community, pointing others towards you. May our home be a place where your love is felt, your word is honored, and your name is glorified. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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