A God of breakthroughs

Sometimes barrenness has nothing to do with child-bearing. I'm the mother of four, so I'm obviously not barren in that respect. But we can experience barrenness in other areas of our lives ... finances, friendship, family relationships, marriage, etc. I heard a message today on the story of Hannah and how God blessed her after a long period of barrenness with a little baby boy named Samuel.

But God had a purpose in making Hannah wait.

In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. And she made a vow, saying, "O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon 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, and no razor will ever be used on his head." 1 Samuel 1:10-11

What if we looked at our barrenness differently? What if instead of dwelling on what's missing in our lives, we sought the thing God is trying to do in us? What if we made it our mission to surrender, that we might reach that point God wants to bring us to? 

Maybe He simply wants us to stop trying to make things happen on our own and let Him do His work, in His timing. Breakthrough comes once He has accomplished His purpose. So do in me whatever You need to do, Lord. I'm ready for a breakthrough. 

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." And they worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:27-28

276. encouraging words in Sunday service

277. amazing worship

278. he got out of his funk and told me he loved me

279. Snickerdoodles (yes, I had one two)

280. a fun shopping trip with my friend (we laughed the whole day)

281. a ridiculously long Sunday afternoon nap

282. a good, hot pot of beef stew with cornbread

283. hydrangeas

284. my new full-length mirror (I chose one that makes me look skinnier-ha!)

285. everyone is well for the moment ... Amen.