Morning Devotional 071525 Trust and Believe

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 15, 2025

1 Samuel 1:24-28

When he had been weaned and was still very young, Hannah took him, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a jar of wine, and brought him to the LORD’s house at Shiloh. 25 They slaughtered the bull, then brought the boy to Eli. 26 “Excuse me, sir!” Hannah said. “As surely as you live, sir, I am the woman who stood here next to you, praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this boy, and the LORD gave me what I asked from him. 28 So now I give this boy back to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is given to the LORD.” Then they worshipped there before the LORD.

Good Morning! Return to God that which belongs to God!

Hannah teaches us faith and trust. She prayed for a son, and God blessed her with a son. When the time came, she returned her son, her beloved, to the service of God. For that which comes from God shall remain with God. 

1 Samuel 2:21 says, “The Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.” Hannah’s oldest son, Samuel, would go on to become the spiritual leader of Israel. As the prophet and judge of the nation, Samuel would anoint the nation’s first two kings, Saul and David.

For years, Hannah had been unable to bear a child. Samuel, born from Hannah’s faith, was a gift from God. Hannah honored her promise to God and gave Samuel to Eli so that he might become a servant of God. When Hannah gave away her son, she trusted that God would continue to bless her and allow her to have the family for which she longed. 

Hannah’s act of letting go took great courage. As parents, we try to hold on to our children as long as possible, and when the time comes to let go, we are greatly saddened. It isn’t until we see God at work within them that we begin to understand God’s plan for them. Blessed are those whose children reflect the face of Christ to the world. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We are called to return a portion of our blessings to you. Hannah teaches us great faith and trust when she returns Samuel to your service. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Entrust those you love to God

Trust and Believe! Pastor Liz