Superkids, something happened the other day that inspired me to write this message to you. The Lord woke me up earlier than normal. I said, “Lord, are You calling me?” and I heard Him answer, Yes. So, I got up and went to the couch, ready to hear what He had to say.
For several days, I had missed getting up when He called me. I repented but knew I had missed some important conversations with Him. I love how forgiving He is, and gracious to keep pressing in on us to receive His love. Have you ever experienced that? He is pursuing you like you might chase after a younger brother or sister, or a pet that seems like they need your help. It can be annoying to us when we know they need to stop and let us help them, but they keep running away. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t get annoyed, He just keeps chasing us!
So, that morning when I sat down, I said, “Here I am.” He very quickly said back to me, Here I am. Then He said, So we are together. This is first, this is everything. That struck me as familiar, and I remembered the story of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1, we learn of this young boy who lived in the Temple with the priest Eli. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was so sad she couldn’t have children that she wouldn’t eat. One day she cried out to the Lord. First Samuel 1:10-11 says: “Though she was resentful, she prayed to the LORD while she cried. She made this vow, ‘LORD of Armies, if you will look at my misery, remember me, and give me a boy, then I will give him to you for as long as he lives. A razor will never be used on his head’” (GOD’S WORD Translation).
I love it that Hannah could be upset, and even resentful, yet cry out to the Lord for help. I love it even more that He answers her! Even when others don’t understand or may think you are silly for crying, Jesus hears. Look at Hannah’s response to Eli when he questioned her:
“While Hannah was praying a long time in front of the LORD, Eli was watching her mouth. She was praying silently. Her voice couldn’t be heard; only her lips were moving. Eli thought she was drunk. ‘How long are you going to stay drunk?’ Eli asked her. ‘Get rid of your wine.’
Hannah responded, ‘No sir. I’m not drunk. I’m depressed. I’m pouring out my heart to the LORD. Don’t take me to be a good-for-nothing woman. I was praying like this because I’ve been troubled and tormented.’ Eli replied, ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your request’” (verses 12-17).
Hannah was deeply hurt, not only because she wanted children, but she had also been laughed at and looked down on because she couldn’t have children. Even the priest was criticizing her! But look what happened when she spent time with the Lord, telling Him her hurt and asking for a son. Something rose up inside of her, something she needed badly to pull her out of depression. Do you recognize it? Look again at what she said: “I’m not drunk. I’m depressed. I’m pouring out my heart to the LORD. Don’t take me to be a good-for-nothing woman. I was praying like this because I’ve been troubled and tormented.”
There is a boldness there in the face of wrong accusation. Hannah gained strength and identity when she spent time talking to the Lord. Eli recognized it and he joined her prayer that God would help her.
Superkid, I want you to understand the power of coming to Jesus. Before God even answered Hannah’s prayer, she was changed in her heart. Not only did boldness rise up, but hope, joy and a deep peace made a home in her heart. No matter what is happening in your life—whether you’re going through a hard time, or you are just sad and don’t know why—time with Jesus will bring you hope, and the peace to walk with Him until you see the change you need in your life.
Next month we will learn more about Samuel, who became a great prophet because he heard from God in a time when prophecies and visions were rare. We will see how the words, “Here am I” were an open door for one boy to be the voice of the Lord to kings, priests and other men alike.
For now, I want to encourage you to just come to Jesus. There really aren’t any rules you have to follow to come to Him. Because, like I said, even when we miss it He doesn’t quit. He doesn’t let us go. I am very grateful for what He has done in my heart and soul, especially in those times when I came crying to Him for help. He is always there, and He always makes a change in my heart before I’m even done crying!
So Superkids, meet me back here next month for more!
Commander Kellie ♥