October 4 | 1 Samuel 1:27-28

“For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted this request to me that I asked of him, and I therefore have lent him to the Lord all his days which he lives.” And he worshiped the Lord there.” (1 Samuel 1:27–28)

Our culture resembles selfishness more than generosity. We take more than we give. And we are taught this is the way things should be. You pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. You grab everything you can get your hands on.

But these are not biblical values. Hannah wants so badly to be a mother. She is tortured by her husband’s other wife who can have children. But she is barren. Year after year she goes to the tabernacle and praise for a child. And when the Lord opens her womb she has Samuel.

Anyone in our world today would be overjoyed. They would cherish the child all their days. In everything they did together with their child they would remember the blessing of the Lord. But Hannah goes a step further.

She gives Samuel to the Lord for His service. How hard would it be to part with your child after you have prayed for years to have him? But Hannah’s gratitude leads her to give Samuel to the Lord and only see him when she visits the tabernacle.

Action Step: What can you dedicate to the Lord? You don’t have to go as far as Hannah. Are your children dedicated to the Lord? Dedicate your time, talents, money, and resources to Him.

Lord, I am so grateful for all You have done for me. I dedicate my resources to You. Out of what you have blessed me with I bless You. I don’t do it for Your blessing. I do it out of gratitude. Use it for Your glory.