An Example of Faithfulness

1Samuel 1:28

28Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord. So they worshiped the Lord there.

Hannah was speaking in this scripture about dedicating her only son to the Lord. Hannah prayed to the Lord for a son because she could not bear any children. Hannah was the favorite wife of Elkanah. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Elkanah had multiple children with Peninnah. But the word says he loved Hannah and gave her a double portion. Peninnah tortured Hannah and constantly reminded her that she had children with Elkanah. So for all those who deal with "baby mama drama," note that there really is nothing new under the sun as King Solomon says in Ecclesiastes. When Hannah grieved so much, Elkanah even said himself, "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" He loved her just that much but of course society saw a woman's worth in a marriage back then based on if she produced heirs. But God's worth is determined by love. Nonetheless, Hannah cried out to the Lord and the Lord finally gave her a son after some time passed. The beauty of Hannah? She was faithful to God. A woman who was barren, saw the miracle of God by having a child and she was faithful in the custom of Israel. Give your first fruits. Most believe that first fruits only applies to money when giving back to God. But when God says first fruits, He means the first of all you have. Your gifts, your time, your talents, your money, your first born...your everything. The most common response for someone who has never had who then receives is to hold on tight for dear life. But what did Hannah do? She willingly gave her son to the Lord. Her son's name was Samuel. She called him Samuel saying, "Because I have asked for him from the Lord." Her faithfulness to God was not forgotten. And the Lord used Samuel. Samuel was just as faithful to the Lord. He did not compromise God's word and was God's mouthpiece in the earth.  Samuel was one of the great prophets of the Old Testament. He advised King Saul and he was called to anoint the future King David. Even as a young boy, God used Samuel to give a word against the very priest who mentored him, Eli. Let's be honest, most people who are given an assignment by God to give a rebuking word to their own mentor would chicken out. But not Samuel. Samuel was faithful and was favored by both God and men.

What does all this mean to you? 1) Love is more important as a marriage is the first relationship God ever created on earth between humans because it reflects His relationship with us and more importantly, Christ's relationship with the church. 2) For those dealing with a Peninnah, God sees but know that you have something greater, because you have the heart of that man. 3) God does answer prayers. 4) Give God the first of all you have not just your money but your time, your talent and even your children. 5) God rewards faithfulness and obedience. 6)When God says speak, do so no matter who it is.