“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.”  1 Samuel 1:27

We honor mothers this week and value the sacrifices they make to their homes and children.  The old saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world” is true!  A wise mother is a gift from God and should be recognized and cherished!  But, what about the women who long for a family, but are unable to conceive and bear a child?

Hannah is one of the most recognizable women in the Bible, her story is found in 1 Samuel 1-2.  We remember her for the sorrow of infertility she experienced early in her marriage.  She longed for a son, but couldn’t have children.  She never gave up hope that God would hear her prayer.  It didn’t help that her husband Elkanah had another wife, Peninnah who had no trouble having children and tormented Hannah for her infertility.  But the beautiful character of Hannah responded with grace.  On one of their annual trips to the temple in Jerusalem, Hannah became so unhappy, she couldn’t eat. Her husband’s vain attempts to comfort her fell on deaf ears.  “Why don’t you eat?  Why are you downhearted?  Don’t I mean more to you than 10 sons?” 1 Samuel 1:8. She took it to the Lord, went up to the temple and wept and prayed before Him.   Her character was tested again when Eli misunderstood her and accused her of drunkenness!  But Hannah showed grace and humility in her words to the High Priest.  As she explained her sorrow to Eli, his heart softened and he answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”  1 Samuel 1:17. 

Eli was right!  God answered Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son.  The story didn’t end there!  After Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord, she and Elkanah had three more sons and two daughters.

I have a daughter who suffered from infertility.  Month after month, it was a heartbreaking moment when she realized there would be no baby.  But God had other plans for her!  After many years, God put it on their hearts to adopt a child.  First came one little boy, than another.  And then babies kept coming, seven from China and one from Guatemala!  What a blessing they have been to our family!  Ten children with no parents, now in a Christian home!

Have you ever been in God’s waiting room?  You pray to the Lord in great anguish of soul, day after day, and nothing seems to change!  You might be asking God for a baby, for a child/grandchild who has wandered away from the faith, for healing of a loved one, for direction or a job, but God seems to be silent.  Sometimes He keeps us waiting, not because He is cruel, but because He knows us and wants us to trust Him and rely on His power.  When your faith is tested, where do you go?  Do you trust Him when trusting Him is the hardest thing of all?  If He is truly Lord of your life, ask yourself, “What does He want to do through me?”  Don’t let fear limit you.  Are you prepared for any assignment He gives you including a stay in His Waiting Room?

God has everything under control!  Trust His promises and lean on Him!

Your friend, Jean