DAY 1: Promises Promises
Have you ever made a promise you weren’t sure you wanted to keep? Something like, “God, if you would just get me out of this situation, then I promise I’ll never do anything this stupid ever again?”
Guess what? You’re not alone. In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, we learn about Samuel’s mother, Hannah. Hannah was unable to have children, and she so desperately wanted a child that she prayed to God, saying, “…if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.” (1 Samuel 1:11 NIV)
God heard Hannah’s prayer, and He answered it. As a result, she had to give up the one thing she most wanted. She desired a son, and God gave her a son. But to fulfill her promise, she had to give her son back to God. The lesson for us: God keeps His promises. And we must be prepared to keep ours as well, no matter the cost.
As you read today, consider this: What is a promise you’ve made to God (or someone else) that you didn’t want to keep? Did you end up fulfilling your end of the promise or not?
READING & JOURNALING:
What is a promise you made to God (or someone else) that you didn’t want to keep? Did you end up fulfilling your end of the promise or not?
Is there ever a time when breaking a promise may be OK? Explain.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 1 & 2
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from “7 Arrows”, (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today I simply want to offer my thanks that You have always, and will forever, keep Your promises. I also pray that in the same way Hannah was willing to sacrifice something she dearly loved to You, that I will also be willing to sacrifice things that I love for You. May my devotion to You grow stronger and stronger, so that I may better know You, and better understand who You’ve made me to be. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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