Waiting...

While many of you who frequent this blog have experienced the loss of a child, I realize that there are some of you who have not only suffered loss, but also wait for a child to nurture and care for on this side of heaven. I cannot pretend to know what that waiting is like. I hope that I can, however, offer some biblical encouragement to comfort you on this journey.

That's right, God did not leave this important issue out of His Word. Consider Hannah, who pleaded for a child for years, waiting and wondering why she could not have a child, all the while Peninnah (her husband's other wife) was flaunting her many children! Think about how Hannah must have felt. It's no different than the bitter feelings you may feel when thinking about why God lets so many women have children who later go on to abuse or neglect them! As frustrating as it may be and as tempting as it is to fall into that questioning, stand strong and TRUST that God has a plan in mind. Do not let the enemy torment you...that is just what he wants.

I have been studying in the psalms recently and was comforted by the following verse...

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in Him."
Psalm 62:5

That's what Hannah did. She poured her heart and soul out to the Lord, waited for him, realizing that it was not about her wishes or desires, but about her faithfulness and trust. Eventually, God blessed her with a child. Samuel. As a mother, I know the love I have for my children. I can only imagine how much Hannah loved Samuel, after her patience in waiting for him. In her conviction and service to God, Hannah dedicated him to the Lord once he was weaned. Reflect upon her words, as she handed Samuel over to Eli, the priest at the temple...

"²⁷ I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. ²⁸ So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."
1 Samuel 1:27-28

Regardless of whether or not you find yourselves waiting today, we can all learn something from Hannah. She was a woman who loved God and was patient as He unfolded the master plans her life. It is my prayer that I can be a woman of patience in various areas of my own life, trusting fully in God's sovereignty and love for me.

I hope you find comfort in this song/video (be sure to pause playlist at the bottom of the screen so you can hear this song!). It is a song you may be familiar with, but dedicated especially for those of you who are like Hannah...waiting.