In the later part of his life, he was used by God to confront King Saul and anoint King David. He was instrumental in changing the spiritual landscape in the nation of Israel during his time.
All this was made possible because of a mother’s willingness and obedience to allow God to have the ownership of her child. I shudder at the thought of what could have happened if Hannah had held back her child. If she was to keep him to herself and not allow him to be trained from young in the ways of the Lord, we would then not read about Prophet Samuel and the whole history would have to be rewritten. However, her encounter with God helped her understand that the child she has is granted by God.
Understanding that the child is a gift from God enabled her to release the child back to the Creator.
I wonder if Hannah had ever envisaged that her little baby will one day become a hero of sort, standing in front of kings and be part of a great plan designed by God. I don’t know what her plan is for little Samuel but surely God has a much bigger plan and destiny for him.
As I reflected on my own journey as a mother, I realise that I have to be reminded many times that my little princesses are in fact granted by God for a purpose and destiny. As a mother, it is natural for me to assume total ownership over my children. After all, I was the one who went through the nine months of pregnancy, the labour pains, the night feeds etc. However, the bible tells me that God is the originator of lives.
He is the one who knitted them in my womb. God knows their whole life story. His Word tells us that He loves our children and His plan is to prosper them and not to harm them. He can take care of them much better than I can.
When God is given the rightful ownership over our children’s lives and as parents we would diligently and wisely carry out our stewardship responsibilities, our children will be able to fulfil the calling and destiny that God has designed for their lives. A calling that is higher and a destiny that is of eternal value.
Our hearts are glad today to have these parents bringing their children to God’s house to be dedicated to our Heavenly Father.
As a church family, we are honoured to witness the obedience and the commitment of our parents. We would like to stand together with you, parents, blessing your children and pledging our commitment to help raise and train these children in the fear of God. I can already see Joshua, David, Samuel, Esther and Ruth rising up from among these children. Can you?
Last year, as thirteen babies and toddlers were dedicated in church, a sister saw a vision of heaven opening and angels rejoicing. I am confident this year, as we bring these young ones to the altar, there will also be celebration and rejoicing in the heavenly realm. I could almost see our Heavenly Father smiling as he looks upon our little heroes today.
Love,
Sia Yian |
