receiving the blessing of a lifetime
"The Lord remembered her. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him." —1 Samuel 1:19-20
Hannah was crying bitterly because she could not conceive a child (1 Sm 1:10). Through her tears, she silently moved her lips in prayer (1 Sm 1:13). Rather than having her prayer answered or at least receiving peace, she was falsely accused by the priest Eli of being drunk in the Temple (1 Sm 1:14). Instead of taking offense, she explained herself to the priest and received his blessing (1 Sm 1:17). Then she miraculously conceived Samuel, who became one of the greatest prophets (1 Sm 3:20), turning the whole Israelite population to the Lord (1 Sm 7:2).
To receive a miraculous blessing that will lead the world to Jesus, we may have to:
- fight off depression,
- pray in pain, and
- forgive our detractors.
The greatest blessings are often surrounded by the greatest obstacles. However, the One in us is greater than the one in the world (1 Jn 4:4). By faith, we can receive God's grace (Eph 2:8). By faith, expressing itself through love (Gal 5:6), repentance, forgiveness, prayer, and action, we will be fruitful and have victory in Jesus. Receive a miraculous blessing for the salvation of the world!
Prayer: Father, do in me what You must in order to do through me what You will.
Promise: "What does this mean? A completely new teaching in a spirit of authority! He gives orders to unclean spirits and they obey!" —Mk 1:27
Praise: Hilary converted to faith in the Lord while reading a Scripture passage about the greatness of God.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, June 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 9, 1997