Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
1 Samuel 2:21
LORD, as I sacrifice for the Kingdom today, I pray that You would continue to remind me that there is nothing that I can give that I will not receive a hundredfold now in this time from Your gracious hand. You said in Your Word, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands…” I hold fast to that promise, recognizing that with it will come persecutions, but my heart finds great joy in knowing that in the end You assure me that I shall receive eternal life. It is so easy for me to focus my attention on the now, being consumed with the loss and the hardships that come in the midst of the sacrifice. Yet, You continue to bless me in the midst, showing me that You have not forgotten me nor overlooked what I have let go of for Your glory. Help me to take my attention off the loss and the troubles and continue to celebrate the blessings and the abundance that I have in You. Continue to show me that You have a plan that will in the end cause all who are Yours to grow in Your presence. Indeed, You will always ensure that I am never in the place where I have given more than You have. This, my Lord, brings me great joy! Therefore, today I endure this light affliction, knowing that it is preparing for me an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison! Have Your way in Jesus’ Name! Amen!