A Gift of Sacrifice
Hannah was a good woman who loved God. But she was sad, because she didn't have any children. Each year, her husband took her to a place called Shiloh, where they worshiped God. And each year, Hannah prayed a special prayer that God would give her a child. One year, she prayed, "Dear God, if You will only give me a son, I will give him back to You, to serve You all his days." She prayed so hard her mouth moved, but no words came out. A priest asked if she was drunk. "No, she said, I'm pouring my heart out to God." "May you find favor in God's eyes," said the priest.
The following year, Hannah couldn't make the trip to Shiloh with her husband because God had answered her prayers. She had a new baby boy named Samuel!
She happily cared for Samuel until he was old enough to leave her. Then she kept her promise to God, and took Samuel to live with the priests in Shiloh. It wasn't easy for her to say good-bye, but each year she made him a special robe to wear as he served God.
God gave Hannah many more children. And Hannah was pleased to know that Samuel was growing up in Shiloh, where he would love and serve God always.
It's easy to get "sticky-fingered" with the gifts God gives to us. We want to hold onto them, keeping them for ourselves. But, like Hannah, when we give God that which is most precious to us, we can trust him with it. And God always gives back much more!
What gift has God given you that you want to keep all for yourself?? Is it your time, your home, your husband? Yes, your husband is a gift! Everything that we have belongs to God.....He's just letting us borrow it for a little while.
Give it up and give it back! Let it go cause it has never been yours to have......even we do not belong to ourselves.......we belong to God.
Lord, help us to give it up, give in to You and get over ourselves! Lord, it isn't about me, it's about You....help me to see that daily.
Lord, I love you........
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