Main Verse: 1 Samuel 1:19 – 1 Samuel 2:11

Assignment: Between now and the 31^st of December 2024, I want you to think of one thing you want God to do for you in 2025. On the evening of the 31^st of December, I want you to commit that request to the Lord.

Good morning!

Because of her unswerving faith, Hanah and Elkanah conceived a boy child named Samuel, “God heard.” When the time had come to bring Samuel to the Temple to dedicate him to the Lord, Hannah took the required items for the sacrifice and a white linen outfit for Samuel; because this was also a “Free will offering” she brought the ox, the ephah of flour, and the bottle of wine for a fragrant offering (Leviticus 12:2, Numbers 29:35-38). When Hannah and Elkanah met with Eli, she said, “I am the woman who stood beside you praying for a child, and God has answered my prayer” (Mike’s Version). Hannah’s story mirrors Mary’s because she sacrificed her son trusting in God’s faithfulness because of this, God honored the sacrifice and gave them other children to raise as a reward (Matthew 12:46-50, Psalms 127:3-5).

When I was in the military, I had to write personnel reviews and one of the most over-used words was, “Potential”; The meaning of the word is, “Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future”. When we say,  “God is faithful …”, when we do not act in faith, what we are saying is that “God has the potential to do great things in our lives if we would just …” (Hebrews 11:5-6). Hannah acted in faith and followed through on her promise because she did so, God rewarded her by blessing her and Elkanah’s marriage with children to raise. On the 31^st of December 1985 at a New Year’s Eve service, the Pastor asked everyone to ask God for the one thing we wanted God to do for us in 1986. My prayer was for a wife and family; I did not go looking for a wife, I let my Father in Heaven pick one for me. While home on liberty between two duty stations, an Angel appeared in my room and proclaimed my marriage to my wife Janine and that I would have a son named Joshua. Bear in mind, I was not dating Janine nor did I consider asking her out. We got married in May 1986 and in early June my wife wrote telling me that we were going to have a son who was born in February 1987. Faith is a power tool but if it is not used every promise in scripture is mere “Potential”. I encourage you today to act on the assignment listed above and trust in faith that he will honor it because “Love and faithfulness go hand-in-hand” (Psalms 85:10-13). This assignment is not about giving you more money or making someone fall in love with you. Maybe your desire is for a husband or wife who loves and completes you, an addiction that has plagued you and been a millstone hanging around your neck, a baby to love and raise, a job, and/or a ministry. Whatever it is, ask the Lord for it on New Year’s Eve.

I.H.S. MK

Father,

You have intimate knowledge of the desires of our hearts and when we ask you for those “desires” you are faithful to bring them about. The provision is, that we ask without doubt in our hearts (James 1:5-10). It is Your best will for our lives that we are content, blessed, and above all Joyful in all that we do (Philippians 4:4-13). I pray for my readers today Lord that they will act on the assignment and exercise their faith (Matthew 17:20). I pray for your continual healing of the Republic of the USA and my family.

In Jesus’ Name