My reading this month in 1 & 2 Samuel began with the infamous story of Hannah, a humble but dedicated wife to Elkanah whose second wife was a disrespectful, insecure piece of work! Peninnah was apparently very jealous of Hannah and because she had already given birth to some children and Hannah had not, she tormented and bullied her with words and taunts. If you have ever lived through a relationship with someone who is so cruel, you can understand the trauma of Hannah’s prayer to God for a son.

“She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.” (1:10)

In her request to God for the ability to give birth to a son, she made a promise — “I’ll give him back to you!”

I was moved to consider this question…

Is there anything so dear to me that I would give it back to God as an act of gratitude?

This son was an enormously important piece of Hannah’s life and yet when given to her, she decides to give it back to God and I don’t mean she walked up front of the church and had the preacher pray and “dedicate” the baby and give it back to her–she left the boy at the house of God forever and walked away! It was an incredible act of love and sacrifice.

It’s happened before…

• Abraham is commanded by God to bring Isaac, his only son and the son of Promise, to Mt. Moriah and offer him on the altar as a sacrifice to God. He does and just before Isaac is slain, the angel stops Abraham and in essence says “now I know you love me more than the thing you value most!”
• Jesus Christ was offered on Calvary to the Father as a redemptive sacrifice for your sins and mine. No question, God gave what He loved most to prove a love that cannot be understood by human hearts.

So, is there anything so dear to you that would give it back to God as an act of gratitude?

Hannah had more sons and daughters but each time she went to the Temple in Shiloh there was a special part of her heart that was ministering to the Lord.

God deserves and requires our daily best…always!