Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-22; 1 Samuel 3:19

In First Samuel chapter 1 we read the connecting stories of Hannah, her son Samuel, the prophet Eli, and his wicked sons. For many years I had known that Hannah had been barren, but then she prayed, Eli was used as mouthpiece to confirm her answer, and she conceived Samuel as a result of her faith. But for years, I hadn’t realized everything that happened after that. It was a huge sacrifice for Hannah to give away her beloved son Samuel to live in the house of the Lord, which at that time had become very evil under the leadership of Eli the high priest (Eli’s sons were committing sexual acts with those who would come into the temple.)

This mother, who had waited and prayed earnestly for a child for years, received her child and then gave him back to the Lord! Hannah was able to visit Samuel only once a year, and on that visit, she would always bring him a new coat. As with so many other mothers in the world, her heart was very attached and devoted to her son. Subscribe to Denise’s 28-Day Journey Email Devotionals! What I hadn’t realized was that Hannah gave the most precious thing in her life to the ministry of the Lord without knowing whether she would ever have any more children. But God is so faithful! The Bible says He blessed her with five more children after Samuel.

You simply can’t out-give the Lord! This woman gave up the most precious thing she’d ever received, trusting completely in the Lord, and He gave back to her five times more than that which she had given Him. Also, she had the privilege of knowing that in the midst of the evil practices of Eli’s sons, Hannah’s son Samuel had become the great prophet about whom the Bible said, “None of his words ever fell to the ground” (see 1 Samuel 3:19). Samuel was esteemed and respected all over Israel.

I want to encourage you today with this thought: When you give to the Lord — whether it’s your finances, your time, etc. — those things will be multiplied back to you many times over. Whatever price you’ve paid to give unto the Lord, your giving will be rewarded. He is so faithful and generous toward His children who call upon Him in humble faith and trust, just like Hannah did.

As always, our prayer team and I would like to pray for you. Please let us know what you desire to receive from God. We’re honored to set ourselves in agreement with you for total healing, deliverance, victory, and blessing.

In His great love,

Denise Renner

Denise Renner