Left But Not Alone

Just a few days back I shared with you the story of Hannah. She was the one who was unable to have a child. Her heart was broken, and she cried out to the Lord. He granted her request and she was blessed with a son. A son named Samuel.

Now, let me relay the rest of the story.

When Samuel was weaned his mother and father brought him to the tabernacle to live with Eli the old priest. You see, his mother had promised God that she would dedicate her son to the Lord’s work. God kept His promise and Hannah kept hers.

“She said to him, ‘Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.’ Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.” I Samuel 1:26-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t just a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother and godly woman. Imagine how she must have wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to give Samuel to Eli and leave him there.

Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and an ache to your heart.

Now imagine if you will another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice that our heavenly Father made in giving His Son! We can’t take it lightly. He gave so that we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

Samuel was left in the loving care of Eli. Christ died for us, rose and ascended into heaven where He is preparing a place for us. But He left us with the Holy Spirit who provides us with strength, comfort and love while we await Christ’s return.

We are left in this world for the time being, but we are never alone!

Water for the Thirsty

Summertime in Arizona has it challenges.

I saw a quip on FB the other morning that went something like this, “For happy summer life in Phoenix stay indoors from 10 a.m. until November 2”. That made me laugh.

As kids growing up in Yuma, AZ, one of the hottest places in the nation, we knew none of that. We were raised by a working mom and spent our summer vacation at home, alone. No, it wasn’t neglect – it was the way life was. Other kids in the neighborhood also were responsible for staying home and taking care of chores, just like we were. Morning was set aside to completing Mom’s daily list and afternoons were for fun.

The city swimming pool had swimming lessons in the morning but after 1 pm it was open swim. My sister and I would walk to the pool and be there in time for it to open.

Walking in the heat of the day – really? It didn’t bother us, we were on our way to have fun – fun in the water. Of course, once we got to the pool one of our first stops was at the drinking fountain.

Thirsty? We certainly were.

Life, in the natural and spiritual, can be a dry and thirsty place. I love what the Scriptures have to say to us:

“I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Israel, don’t be terrified!
You are my chosen servant, my very favorite. I will bless the thirsty land by sending streams of water; I will bless your descendants by giving them my Spirit. They will spring up like grass or like willow trees near flowing streams. They will worship me and become my people. They will write my name on the back of their hands. I am the Lord All-Powerful,
the first and the last, the one and only God…Don’t tremble with fear! Didn’t I tell you long ago? Didn’t you hear me? I alone am God—no one else is a mighty rock.” Isaiah 44:1-8 CEV

Just as the Lord sends water to the thirsty lands, He also gives His Spirit to those who are spiritually thirsty. The Holy Spirit brings us refreshing, He restores us when we are weary and brings us peace when we are undone.

Is there anything better than a cool drink of water on a hot day? Anything more comforting?

Oh yes, something much greater. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit who is the Comforter for a weary soul!