23 Oct Plugging Into Eternity
She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” -1 Samuel 1:10-11 ESV
This is a prayer that Hannah made to God. I’d like to believe that there were many times that Hannah prayed for a son. I can just see her whispering a prayer while she was kneading the dough close to the warm oven or when she looked outside the window and saw her husband playing with Peninnah’s (her husband’s other wife) children. What I like about this story is that Hannah is just an ordinary woman; we don’t read anything special about her, only that her heart was heavy with anguish. But on this day her prayer captured God’s attention.
What was so different about the prayer she made at the temple? It was different because this time it was coupled with a vow. Hannah didn’t want a child to compete with Peninnah. She put herself aside; she made a vow to give her son to God. This is where the shift comes in. She did not know that by giving her son to God she was tapping into eternity’s plan. Her son Samuel grew up in the fear of the Lord. He was the prophet who anointed the first king of Israel, Saul. This was a big deal! He would also be the one to anoint David who was after God’s heart. Remember David’s house was chosen by God to bring forth the Messiah; the salvation plan was hidden for years in his bloodline. Hannah’s son Samuel had an ear for spiritual things. He heard God’s voice and obeyed. This all happened because a woman allowed God to step in. She allowed God to take what was hers to be for the Master’s use.
I would like to encourage you to make your prayer requests with eternity in your heart. May we outgrow selfish prayers or prayers that are short-sighted. I pray that God will enlarge our scope and Vette our hearts when we pray.
“Put me on trial, Lord , and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart”. – Psalms 26:2 NLT
You never know, you might be an answer to someone’s prayer. It could be someone’s prayer birthed you, it birthed your purpose. You are the hope for this generation. You may not be a Kingmaker like Samuel but you are called to take part in something that is designed by God, something that has eternity engraved on it.
If you know what your purpose is, I urge you to walk in it with all authenticity. Let it glorify God. Let it leave prints on people’s lives. Whether your purpose is big or small (if there is such) you get to contribute to eternity. Whether you’re a gatekeeper or sitting at the king’s table you have your role to play.
How do we start praying with eternity in mind? When we pray with the understanding that God must get the glory and not us. It is when we pray non-selfish prayers. It is when we allow God to rearrange our lives. It is when we pray that our lives be used by God for His will and purposes. It is when we see beyond ourselves.
I love God and His word. I have a great passion to help women mature in their relationship with Christ…it’s possible because God’s grace has removed the boundaries. We have unlimited access to our Father.
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