Listen to this devotion
Hannah — Promise Made, Promise Kept
Hannah’s Story: 1 Samuel 1:1–28
In the Word
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27–28a).
Of the Word
How good are you at keeping promises? We all have the best of intentions when promises are made, but sometimes “stuff” gets in the way: an unexpected appointment, an illness, even a traffic jam.
When tearful Hannah went to the house of God, she earnestly prayed for a son. And she tacked on a promise, “I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11b). Imagine a childless woman making such a promise!
In due time, God blessed Hannah with a son. As she nursed him and cared for him, she must have pondered her promise. We can only guess whether or not she had second thoughts. But when young Samuel was weaned, she took him to Eli the priest. God gave her the strength to leave the young child there, thus keeping the promise she had made.
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, guide my thoughts and words as I serve You. Help me make and keep promises that bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 12/34 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
