Don't Lose Hope 预览

The Miracle Is On Its Way

In 1 Samuel 1:1-11 we can read the story of Hannah. She was married to Elkanah, but couldn't have children. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah didn't. Every year, Elkanah traveled to worship the Lord and offer sacrifices to Him. When he presented his burnt offering, he gave portions of this meat to Peninnah and her children, but to Hannah he gave a special portion because God had not given her children.

Year after year, Peninnah made fun of Hannah's misfortune. In those times, barrenness in a woman was a source of humiliation and shame. Hannah was rejected by the community and marked as a symbol of failure.

She was someone who, like all of us, was waiting for her miracle. The miracle she hoped for seemed impossible in the natural, but she didn't give up; she kept walking and believing without losing hope.

When my youngest daughter was one and a half years old, my husband and I decided to have our third child. I remember that from the moment we made that decision, one, two, three years went by and our baby did not come. During that time, I got pregnant, but lost the baby at 10-11 weeks.

For me, that was a very difficult moment and my heart felt so much pain.

My third child was the miracle I was waiting for, but it didn't seem to be coming.

I remember that, just like Hannah, I had to make a decision: I could lose hope, believe that God wasn't listening to me, give up and surrender; or I could hold on to His promises, anchor myself in hope, and continue to trust that God was in control of my situation.

I didn't understand why, but I decided to trust.

As children of God, at some point in our walk through life, I believe that all of us have asked for a miracle. Maybe right now you are asking for healing, or maybe you are praying tirelessly for your children who are far from God. Perhaps you are praying to be free from addictions, or from things that you cannot let go of in your own strength.

Our God can make a miracle happen instantly. But, what do we do when He doesn't respond instantly? What do we do while we wait for our miracle?

In this devotional, I would like to share with you four things that I have learned from Hannah's life and that have helped me not to lose hope while waiting. I hope it can fill you up if you are waiting for a miracle. And if you have already received your miracle, I hope it can help you in the future, when the answer to a new miracle is on the way.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you hear my prayers. I ask You to fill my heart with peace and joy as I wait for what You know. Help me to wait in faith and to trust Your promises. In the name of Jesus. Amen.