April 16, 2023: Every Parent's Dream

​"... And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord." (1 Samuel 2:21, ESV)

Every Christian parent's dream is to see their child grow up in the presence of the Lord. Like Moses, Samuel was no ordinary child, for Hannah had birthed this child in the place of prayer under much resistance. She poured her heart out to God and made an amazing promise. "Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life."  (1 Samuel 1:28, NLT) That is huge!
    
Hannah went on to have more sons and daughters, but Samuel remained with Eli in the House of the Lord. But the House of the Lord was filled with unbelief. Eli, the priest, could no longer recognize the voice of the Lord. His sons, who were also priests, were disobedient to the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:12 describes them as worthless men, for they did not know the Lord. It was here that scripture records that "Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord." How does that happen?
    
First, it happened because Hannah gave Samuel back to the Lord. That makes him God's child. And God's children are constantly surrounded by God's favor. Secondly, because of prayer, Hannah had God's presence on her when she conceived. Third, even though Samuel was 'under' priests that did not know God or His voice, Samuel learned to hear God as he worshiped the Lord there.
    
God greatly honored Hannah by causing Samuel to grow in His presence. And later, it is written, "He grew in favor with both the Lord and man." Every parent's dream.