I just read 1 Samuel 1 and could write a dozen blog posts from this single chapter. It is chalk full of incredible applications! The part that really stuck out to me this time is found in verses 26-27. Hannah tells Eli, “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.”
I wonder what Eli was thinking. I wonder if he remembered Hannah from the house of the Lord nearly 4 years earlier when he told her to “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him” (v.17).
Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers simply so His name can be praised. He wants us to tell others of His goodness. Sometimes answered prayer isn’t just for us, it’s for others too- to inspire faith in them! I prayed this morning that I would have more stories to tell. A good friend Simon Mbevi wakes up every morning eager to see how God will move and answer prayers. If you have been with Simon for any amount of time, I’m sure you have heard incredible stories of God working in his life. I want stories like that and I think God is just waiting for me to ask and be on the lookout for Him! How about you? Are there any stories He wants you to share?
I’m back at Moody now and am loving every minute. It was a hard transition leaving home again after being there for almost 8 months. Knowing this is where I am supposed to be makes it easier to learn to be content (Phil 4:11). Praying daily, all throughout the day for Mom and the rest of the Sauder family. Like you, I am now so excited when a blog post comes in so I can see what’s going on! 🙂 Miss all of you and still incredibly grateful for each of you.
Love and blessings, Olivia
Olivia, so good to hear from you. I am sure your family has appreciated having you home the last several months, but also they are thankful to see you and Drew move ahead with the plans the Almighty has for your lives too. So glad your mom is growing stronger and I continue to offer up prayers for her and the whole Sauder family. You guys are such an inspiration to so many people. I am reminded that our God works in so many ways. May God give all of continued and renewed strength as you move forward with the plans He has for you. Take care and have a great semester. Ms. B
Thanks so much for this blog post Olivia! I’ve prayed that you would be able to continue your studies in school and praise Him for giving you the peace about going back. So grateful for each days opportunity to see Him reign and be about the business of our daddy in heaven. Isn’t it awesome to know He wants us and delights in us being His children. Just when doubt enters my mind, He always sends a reminder of this fact. Keep saying yes to Him and watch how he knocks your socks off! Everyone will want to know how you can be so footloose and fancy free to be all He intended for you to be ;-). Continuing to pray for your momma and all of you. Your family blesses us through your stories of faith, hope and love.
Love you Olivia! To God be all the glory, great things He has done! He shines through you very brightly! 🙂