1 Samuel 1:1-11
No Man is an Island
This story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel is one that has always inspired me. I have often though of Hannah’s anguish at not being able to conceive a child at times when my dreams and goals did not come to be.
But today the Holy Spirit has shown me a different side of this story that must be considered. These points are all important to the complete understanding of the application of this text to our lives, but it is point number three that bears close, intimate consideration.
1) God expects us to carry out our vows to Him.
Hannah, to her credit, took Samuel to the temple to live w/Eli at about 3 or 4 years old—after she had weaned him. Samuel became the last of the Judges—a great prophet—the one who anointed David to be king. Take your vows of marriage, salvation/baptism, church membership, seriously.
2) Never measure God’s love for you by what he does for others.
This is a scarcity mindset. God has enough of everything for everybody, but what someone possesses is unique to his purpose in life.
3) Be mindful that the things you do—you pray for—affect others around you. Hannah deprived Samuel of the opportunity to grow up w/a mother’s love, w/a father’s attention, w/the fellowship of siblings.
No man is an island. Nearly, everything you do affects someone else.
There are commercials showing smokers having to be cared for by, in some cases, teenage children. James 3 says that teachers are held to a higher standard.
As witnesses of Jesus Christ, we must watch what we do and what we say.
Some years back Charles Barkley, when he was still playing basketball, made some disparaging remarks that made the news. His defense was, “I’m not trying to be a role model for anyone. I can say what I want.” Here’s the thing—you are a role model whether you seek to be or not.
Somebody is watching you right now!!
So how do we journey through this life making a positive difference in our life and the lives of others?
We do it through faith in an Almighty God
It gives us unbelievable, supernatural strength and power.
A peace that surpasses all understanding.
A discernment/wisdom beyond what we see. Hence, we walk by faith and not by sight.
Lastly, it keeps us accountable to loving God and our neighbor—to serving God and others.
No Man is an Island
God is good—He gives us the desires of our heart, but remember, we are all interconnected.
Do your part to ensure that this world is a better place. “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”
God bless you
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