To Build a Life
Sarai isn’t so far removed from us, is she? She wanted to build a life through a family, through being a mother. In many ways Hannah wanted the same thing, but she went about it differently.
Hannah did exactly what the Lord calls us to. She is a great example of letting the Lord work and following His lead. Even though it was hard–please don’t miss that! It clearly was hard for her. It was obvious that she wanted a child, but God was going to do it in His time, for His glory.
Being honest, I can totally relate to Sarai, but I have a hard time identifying with Hannah. It always breaks my heart to read about her taking her son to the temple and leaving him there. Why would God give her a child, only to have her sacrifice him? I can’t comprehend my reaction to the Lord asking me to sacrifice my child in any way, shape, or form. This story always makes me cry. As a parent, I just don’t think I could do it. Anyone else ever have a hard time with this one?
Prayer for a Child
But Hannah started there! In her prayer for a child, she told God that if He gave her a son, she would give him back. You know, her son Samuel would have been around the same age that my son is right now, around 3 or 4 years old. This is the sweet spot in child-rearing. The early years are tough, but then around age 3 they start coming into their own. I just can’t imagine that. But Hannah’s confidence in God’s sovereignty and His plan are recorded plainly in chapter two where her prayer, her song of praise, really, is there for all to see. She trusted God with her life and her motherhood. She trusted Him with the things she couldn’t see. Not knowing if she would ever have more children, she gave her only son back to God.
Did you have time to read 1 Samuel 2? What was your reaction to Hannah’s prayer, especially after knowing that she prayed this after she left him at the temple with Eli, knowing she would not be able to raise him. That of all things tore up my heart. I tried to put myself in her shoes, and I don’t know. I don’t know if I would have been rejoicing. Her strength amazes me.
And the wonderful thing is, she went on to have several more children. The Lord blessed her with a good-sized family (not that anyone would take the place of Samuel).
Do you see the difference Sarai and Hannah’s choices? Do you see what happened afterwards? One had a consequence, one had a blessing.
Even Good Things Can Become Gods
Children are wonderful, and so is being a mom, but it’s easy to see how even good things can become gods in our lives. Another thing referenced this week was the golden calf that the Israelites made. The Israelites were allowed to plunder the Egyptians just before they began their long journey to the Promised Land. But they took all that gold God gave them and fashioned it into an idol, something they could worship. We do the same thing.
I think money is a gift from God. Yet we turn it into an idol when we allow it to control us. When we depend on it rather than on the One who provides it. When we fear that we won’t have enough, and we think we must depend on ourselves for more. Remember, God provides for the ravens, who are literally scavengers (Luke 12: 22-24). How much more will He provide for us, the ones who are made in His image! I think that’s why the Lord talks about the love of money being the root of all evil. It’s not money itself, but it is the love of it and the fear of not having it. It is our reaction to the gift that turns it into a god.
Fear Plays a Role
In both the examples of Sarai and Hannah, fear plays a role: the fear of having no children. How each woman responded to that fear is what made the difference. Author Kelly Minter writes: Fear itself is not the god; the object of our fear is the god. Here are some of my favorite verses to combat fear.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) I keep this one in my son’s room. It’s a great verse for boys to memorize.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
I can’t wait to see what you’ve been learning this week, so I’m excited for our Facebook chat tomorrow night at 8 pm (CST). Don’t forget!
Join Our Online Bible Study
Is this the first you’ve heard about our online Bible study? It’s not too late to join us! Get all the details HERE.
:: Be sure to join us for our Facebook Chat HERE tomorrow night. Even if you haven’t finished the homework or gotten your book yet, you will enjoy the discussion (plus great prizes from LifeWay Christian Stores!).
Do you have a favorite Scripture you use when fear begins to creep in? Please share it in the comments below.
I couldn’t get home from church fast enough to see what new treats was posted here and the face book page. I am really enjoying this study and so very glad to be doing it with all of you. I had a meeting last week but this week I’ll be at the chat. See you at 8pm…cst