Faithful Mothers
The Bible is filled with accounts of godly women and mothers who trust in the Lord and bless their families. One that I like is Hannah whose story is told in the book of 1 Samuel. You may know the story. Hannah is one of Elkanah's two wives. Peninnah is the other. 1 Samuel 1:2 says "Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none." The story goes on to describe how Peninnah would torment Hannah year after year. Because of this, Hannah's life was difficult but she continued to pray and remain faithful to the Lord. Eventually, God answered her prayers. 1 Samuel 1:20 says "So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." As the story continues, although Hannah treasured Samuel, she gave him over to the Lord to be raised in the temple by the priest. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 says "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."
As difficult as it must have been to give up this child after all the hardships, Hannah kept her vow to the Lord. As we know, Samuel grew up to be a great man of God, the last judge of Israel before King Saul was put in place. God was faithful to Hannah and she was faithful to Him. 1 Samuel 2:1-2 says "Then Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high…There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." Even though Samuel grew up apart from the family, Hannah continued to love him. 1 Samuel 2:18-19 says "But Samuel was ministering before the Lord - a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice." Sounds like something our moms would do. Doesn't it?
As we approach Mother's Day, I thank God for the special women in my life. I think of my grandmothers, aunties, sisters-in-law, ladies at the church, etc. Of course, I think especially of my mom, my mother-in-law, and Renae who have been such a blessing to me and my family. Several weeks ago, our daughters, Ellie and Avery, wanted to camp outside. It may seem silly. But when you can't go anywhere for Spring break, it's the closest thing to vacation. So Renae pulled out the tent all by herself and set it up in the backyard (hmm where was I?). The girls spent two nights camping out in the tent and had a great time. Just a small example of the blessing she is to us!
I'm sure you have similar stories of the mothers and ladies in your life. Let us remember them. Let us express our love and appreciation to them. Let's thank God for them. God bless all you mothers and ladies out there. Have a Happy Mother's Day!
Pastor Darren
