A Journal Entry on 1 Samuel 1 and Genesis 22
Background
In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah, a barren woman, prayed that God would give her a child and vowed to give her son to the Lord for all the days of his life (v. 11). When God gave Hannah a son (Samuel) she remembered her vow, took him to the temple, and gave him to the Lord. Hannah sacrificed the very thing she had waited so long to have.
This reminds me of the story of Abraham and Isaac told in Genesis 22. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was also barren and praying for a son. When Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, Isaac was born. However, when Isaac was just a boy, God called Abraham to sacrifice him. Abraham showed no hesitation in his obedience and went up to sacrifice Isaac, the very thing he prayed his whole life for.
In both stories, God answers a long-awaited prayer: he blesses a barren woman with a son. But then, we see Abraham and Hannah so willing to sacrifice that answered prayer, to give it up so quickly. How could they do this?
They loved God more than what God gave them.
Knowing the Giver influenced how they stewarded the gift.
Love God More Than What God Can Give You
Abraham has no hesitation in his obedience. After waiting 100 years for a son, it would have been easy for Abraham to refuse God’s command, to say it was too much to ask. But, he doesn’t. He doesn’t because his affections do not lie with the blessings God gives, but with God himself.
Like Abraham, we must be willing to surrender anything at God’s word, even answered prayers. This can be painful, but we can’t idolize the things we’re praying for. I hope our willingness to sacrifice reveals that our love and devotion belong solely to God.
You Know The Giver, So Steward The Gift Well
When Hannah remembered her vow and Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac, they were obedient. They knew their sons were God’s, not their own, so they were faithful in their sacrifice. Like Abraham and Hannah, knowing the source of our gifts should determine how we steward them.
Knowing our money is from God should lead us to generosity and sacrificial giving.
Knowing our relationships are from God should lead us to selflessness and honoring conversations.
Knowing our time is from God should lead us to intentionality and surrender of our schedules.
Knowing our home is from God should lead us to hospitality.
Knowing our talents/passions are from God should lead us to serve the church, others, and God with them.
Hannah and Abraham are great examples of surrender. They were both willing to give up the thing they wanted most to be obedient to God. Like Hannah and Abraham, we should pray faithfully, wait faithfully, and steward faithfully the prayers God answers and the gifts he gives.
God,
Thank you for being the giver of every good gift. Thank you for hearing my prayers and answering them in miraculous ways. May your love for me be the driving force behind my prayers and my stewardship. Help me have no hesitation in obedience, but use the blessings you've given me to honor you.
Amen