Lessons

Ever since I was a little girl, one of my favorite stories in the Bible has been the story of Hannah. Here's the Chloe Version: "A woman named Hannah wanted nothing more than to have a baby. She prayed diligently year after year in hopes of - well, having a baby! She had almost given up hope when 'the Lord remembered her plea.' It was then that God gave her a son, Samuel." I've always thought of this story in terms of patience. Now that I think about it, I realize that it's about endurance. Patience is simply waiting for what you want. Endurance is actually going through pain in the midst of or because of waiting.

I want to encourage all of you who are struggling, suffering, in pain, waiting - enduring. Your time is coming. You will be blessed. In my mind, Hannah represents struggle, pain, loss, and ultimately growth. The name, Samuel, actually means "God has heard." I think a lot of times we need "a Hannah" before we will really cry out to God. Once we do, He will be able to hear us. God can't hear what you aren't saying. If you're diligent in prayer and remain faithful, He will give you your Samuel. It might not come exactly how you imagined, but I can assure you it will be amazing.

Sometimes we have to endure a Hannah to prepare us for our Samuel. So keeping hanging on, use this time to grow as much as you can, and know that your Samuel is coming!