Family Focus
LOANS A. Donald Main
Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD. * 1 Samuel 1:28 (NRSV)
Our lives are shaped in many ways by others—not only by our heroes, but also by those individuals who, day by day, show us love, kindness, and care. Hannah certainly had an impact upon her son, Samuel.
She had been childless, and had prayed to God that if she could have a child, she would dedicate that child to him. God was faithful to her petitions and she, in turn, was faithful to him. Without question, Hannah had instilled in Samuel a deep realization of God’s presence, and had helped prepare him for future leadership of his people.
Hannah lent to God what God had lent her. Everything we are and have is a gift of God, lent to us for our use. Let us use our talents and gifts faithfully in God’s service.