Hannah struggled with infertility. When she finally did have a son, she handed him over to the care of Eli the priest. Imagine how she must have felt dropping Samuel off at the temple that day….
“As our brave Hannah entered her hardest hour–the hour appointed for her to leave her long-awaited and much-prayed-for son at the house of the Lord to be raised by another–we see that her focus was not on herself, not on her problems, and not on her sacrifice, but instead on her great God.” -Elizabeth George
Mom can’t be there for every moment of a child’s life. Like Hannah, the time will come when she must let go…
It happens when her son is five and he enters the kindergarten door for the first time.
It happens when her son is eight and she drops him off for football practice and doesn’t stay to watch.
It happens when her daughter is twelve and she drops her off at a birthday party.
It happens when her daughter is sixteen and drives away with a brand new driver’s license.
It happens when her son is eighteen and she drops him off at a dorm.
It happens in moments big and small. Moms must turn around and walk away. And like Hannah, we must trust God. But what exactly do we expect from God by trusting in Him? That He will never allow our children to get hurt? Always keep them safe? I don’t think that’s what Hannah expected as she dropped off young Samuel with the priest Eli. Her trust in God wasn’t conditional. She knew that whatever God allowed to happen in Samuel’s life (be it good or bad) was part of His sovereign plan.
We do all we can to prepare our children for what they will see, experience, and learn when they are away from momma’s care. But ultimately, we trust God. Not only for our children’s safety, but for their sanctification.
As we wrap up our series on biblical mothers, what are you praying for in the lives of your children today? Please let us know in the comments so we can pray for each other!
My oldest son is graduating in June and heading to training for the Army National Guard in August. My mama heart is having a hard time with how fast my boys are growing!
I’m sure that is hard Melissa! Lifting you and your son up right now!
My prayer for my two sons (Frank 5 yr and Josepeh 6 wks) is that they would come to know Jesus at an early age and love Him all the days of their lives. Thank you for your prayer.
The most important prayer we can pray, Lisa! Lifting up your sons now!
I’m letting my 10 year old go to an away camp for 5 days. I’ve never allowed him to spend the night ANYWHERE. But he wants to go. Like Hannah, I faced infertility. I had inVitro to conceive. He is my miracle boy. Please pray for his safety and my sanity.