17 Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.’ 1 Samuel 1:17
One of the famous babies in the Bible is baby Samuel. Unlike Mary, Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was the first wife and barren. Mary was a virgin, promised in marriage but not yet wed. Hannah was a loved first wife, taunted by wife #2 for her barrenness. An angel surprised Mary who had no thought of having a baby yet. Hannah was in the Temple, so distraught in her praying for a baby that the priest Eli accused her of being drunk. Mary was greatly perplexed, perhaps terrified, when she heard what God was going to do but Hannah was told to go in peace. These are very different pre-stories to babies that were going to be greatly used by God. Baby Samuel would become a great prophet and anoint King Saul and King David, a significant point in the development of Israel. Baby Jesus would become known as our Savior and be the key person in Christianity.
So often we think God cannot work with our stories. We feel like tiny babies defined by the circumstances of our birth. God’s miracles take many forms. God transforms seemingly impossible birth scenarios. Ask the Holy Spirit to scan your heart today. Is there something that seems impossible at first sight in your life or in the life of a loved one? Perhaps you are dealing with a despairing political or financial challenge. Or you might have received medical news that has you petrified like Mary or despairing like Hannah. Place it in God’s hands and watch for how he works. We can go in peace and be the servant of the Lord. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 