“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV

The Book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Hannah. Year after year she prayed for a child, never giving up on her petition for God’s provision. I was reminded of Hannah’s story multiple times from multiple sources within the span of just a few weeks, and each time I read it or heard preaching on it one thing stood out to me:

“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 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 1:11 ESV).

She promised to give back to God what He blessed her with. She prayed boldly, trusting in God’s power to answer her prayer.

And He did. And she gave her son, Samuel, back to God to serve as a priest:

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.’ And he worshipped the Lord there” (1 Samuel 1:27-28 ESV).

---

Following Hannah’s Model

I haven’t been praying for a child, but I had been praying for a home. And the road to get here had some rough moments (Want a true lesson in humility? Turn 40 while living with your parents. Love you guys!).

But just like Hannah, somewhere along the way of waiting I made a promise: God, whatever you provide, I give back to You. I give it back for Your glory and Your service. Whatever You provide I will turn back to You in praise.

Now, this means I need to continue working on my intentionality and availability. Just as I wrote about in a prior post, I’m still working to prioritize rest while intentionally engaging with others and being available.

This house, this home, is a blessing. There’s no doubt about that. It’s not a result of anything I did, but of what God gave to me, entrusted to me to steward and use for Him.

What has God given you that you can steward and use for His glory?

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV