Today’s Scripture
“O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life.” 1 Samuel 1:11, ESV
Today’s Devotion
The prophet Samuel is an important figure in Jewish history. He was Israel’s last judge, and he anointed Saul and David as kings. His remarkable life is the result of a remarkable prayer. 1 Samuel 1 tells the story of his mother Hannah, her prayer for a son, and her promise that she would give her son to God’s service.
God honored her bold prayer and gave her a son. When the boy Samuel was old enough, she fulfilled her vow and presented him to the priest for a lifetime of service. Imagine the courage it must have taken to ask God for a child and then keep her promise even though it meant letting go of the little boy she dearly loved.
She didn’t face this difficult challenge on her own. Even though it would affect him as the boy’s father, her husband Elkanah supported Hanna’s vow: “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only may the Lord establish his word” (1 Samuel 1:23, ESV).
Marriage researcher Dr. John Gottman has found that one of the secrets to a successful marriage is this: Marriages succeed when a husband is willing to accept his wife’s influence. Accepting her influence doesn’t mean losing control, rather it’s a reminder of Ecclesiastes 4:9: “two are better than one.”
May 11 is Mother’s Day. Maybe the best gift a husband can give is to accept his wife’s influence and support her. Hannah and Elkanah’s story shows the value of working together as teammates.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, show us how we can support each other as we serve you. Amen.
