Answered Prayers

Today in my quiet time reading I started a new book in the Bible – 1 Samuel. This book is full of many teachings and also the first King of Israel is chosen.

The first chapter explains how Samuel came to be! Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah. But this pregnancy did not just happen, Hannah was unable to have children for many years and in this culture that was considered a failure. She was depressed and upset.

So Hannah, in her discouragement and failure, took her problem to God. She prayed and prayed and prayed for a son.

We often look at our outside circumstances and try to figure out God’s plan and timing and if we don’t see Him answering our prayer right away…we do whatever we think we need to do! (We try to be fixers vs wait on God!)

God’s plan for Hannah was to postpone her childbearing for many years, He had a plan! God’s timing and plan is always perfect!

As Christians supporting Christians, when someone we know has prayed and does not receive an answer right away we need to love and support them. When we support those who struggle with waiting on God, we can help them remain steadfast in their faith and confident that God’s timing will bring fulfillment to their lives. We are to be there and lift up our friends to follow God.

Hannah’s husband and Eli, the priest, loved and encouraged her during her difficult time.

God does hear and will answer prayers, we have scripture that promises this all over the Bible. But it is in His timing not ours, so be patient.

Hannah prayed in anguish to the Lord for a son. She promised God that if she was given a son she would give it back to Him. She conceived and now had to follow through with her word.

Tomorrow we will talk about when we pray and ask for something and promise God something in return.

Take away from today – be there for your Christian friends who are struggling with unanswered prayers. Love them and encourage them to keep their faith and wait on God.

Stay Rooted,

Lisa & Heather