Day 20 Ruth 1 - 1 Samuel 2

1 Samuel 1The Message (MSG) 

^12-14 It so happened that as she continued in prayer before God, Eli was watching her closely. Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. He approached her and said, "You're drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!"
 ^15-16 Hannah said, "Oh no, sir—please! I'm a woman hard used. I haven't been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God. Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long."
 ¹⁷ Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him."
²⁰ Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, "I asked God for him."

Sometimes I think we push aside the people who have been praying for the same things for year after year... We say, "maybe it's just not God's Plan", or "He's heard you, He knows, let it lie."  And there may or may not be benefit to this.  I don't really know.


God is a loving God, He knows our hearts.  He knows what is best for us, better than we know for ourselves.


So why doesn't He just give us what we want, when we ask pray about it?  The timing may not be right.  Other unknown factors may be conflicting with it.  Even if you want it, it's not for you.


But if we are fervent in our prayers, God may be working on all the other factors preventing it.  Including you.

Day 19 Judges 11-21

Judges 13:2-7 The Message (MSG) 

 ^2-5 At that time there was a man named Manoah from Zorah from the tribe of Dan. His wife was barren and childless. The angel of God appeared to her and told her, "I know that you are barren and childless, but you're going to become pregnant and bear a son. But take much care: Drink no wine or beer; eat nothing ritually unclean. You are, in fact, pregnant right now, carrying a son. No razor will touch his head—the boy will be God's Nazirite from the moment of his birth. He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression."
 ^6-7 The woman went to her husband and said, "A man of God came to me. He looked like the angel of God—terror laced with glory! I didn't ask him where he was from and he didn't tell me his name, but he told me, 'You're pregnant. You're going to give birth to a son. Don't drink any wine or beer and eat nothing ritually unclean. The boy will be God's Nazirite from the moment of birth to the day of his death.'"

Most people know the story of Samson. His gift was given because of a promise by his parents to the Angle of the Lord.  They up agreed and upheld the promise they made, and raised him to follow the promise.

But he grew to be arrogant of his blessing, and threw it away by tempting Delilah and telling her his secret.  In stead of adhering to God's plan, he created his own.  And he ended up captured, blinded, and in prison.

I think we all need to take heed to the promises that are set out before us.  We've probably not had an audible conversation like Samson's parents did.  I remember, in a time of turmoil, crying out in pain and agony.  And I honestly thought I heard someone say to me, 'It's all going to work out, trust me'.  I looked up, looking for my husband.  But he wasn't there.  I found him in the basement watching TV.  And you know what, soon after that night, things began to improve.

There have been rules and guidelines that have been set out before us, and it is up to us to follow them.  He has a plan for us, as long as we look to Him, and follow the path set forth.  

Day 18 Judges 1-10

Judges 10:15-16The People of Israel said to God: "We've sinned. Do to us whatever you think best, but please, get us out of this!" Then they cleaned house of the foreign gods and worshiped only God. And God took Israel's troubles to heart.

 Even though generations of Israelites turned away from God, He still loved them.  And knew that they would walk away from Him, and that the would return to Him.  


As our Father, He does not coddle us and give us everything that we ask for.  Sometimes we have to learn our lessons.  


As a parent, it's the hardest part.  Not that my kids are bad, but we've all had bad days.  And there are consequences to bad behaviors.  My 5 year old daughter has a bit of a temper, and has a fit once a week.  It's become less frequent because she's finally learning that she gets things taken away when she acts up.  But when she adjusts her attitude, and performs a few kind acts, we give them back.


So as I do with my kids, God does with us.  But when we submit to Him, ask for forgiveness and follow His guidance, He will always take care of us.