My Journey Through..

1 Samuel!

I haven't gotten far, but I don't mind. It's not about how much you've read..

1:10-16 really stood out to me. Hannah went straight to God. He was first. She didn't go to her girl-friends, not even her Husband. She prayed right to God. Who do you go to first? Do you call up your bud and talk about whatever it is? Do you try to find it out by yourself? Or do you go to who knows you best .. Who knows best? I find that I myself am guilty of not going to God first. I am not ashamed, however. I'm only human, but that's not an excuse. I am not trying to make excuses. I'm just stating how it is. I, unfortunately, tend to seek answers by myself for myself. I want to be independent and figure it out. . but sometimes I am not that wise. I really should seek Him first. After all, he is omniscient.

Lord, I ask that you would create in me the longing, the need, to always seek You first. Forgive me for not always putting You first, for You deserve the first of me, of everything. Correct me, and guide me. Make me committed like Hannah was to praying to you first, to keeping her word. Amen.

1 Sam. 2:20-21

God might just surprise you and give you a surplus of what you asked for. The problem is, most of us lose hope before we even ask. Don't be afraid to ask! God is faithful.

.. You know, hearing God's word doesn't always depend on age and experience. When you approach His Word, are you listening? (3:8-9)

I don't always listen.. Sometimes, kind of like now, I just talk and talk and talk. God, thank you for revealing so many things to me. Teach me to shut up and listen so I can fully understand You. Amen.

Okay, verse 7:3 really stood out to me. I am not afraid to say it. I struggle with just being me and being bold in Christ. I don't always stick with it and I need to just be consistent with Christ. I want to always be glorifying Him and always following Him. So, I'm going to take Sam's advice and clean myself out-whether that be my soul, my life, my closet, etc. Whatever it is that veers me away from Him, I need to get rid of it. "Thus far has the Lord helped us." And He will continue to.

Lastly- as far as I have gotten- is 9:17-21. Confidence. How much do you have in yourself? Ya know, it doesn't matter if you are super poor, what you think is too ugly, or WHATever. Superficial things like that do not matter. If He has chosen you to do a task, you must be the right one for the job, no? Have a little more confidence in 1. yourself, and 2. Christ Jesus!

Father, thank you for revealing all of this to me. Continue to work in me and others as well. I ask that I could be a blessing in peoples' lives. I want to share your word and make disciples. I want others to do the same, but more importantly, what You have called them to do. You are forever with us. Amen.