Suffering: Childlessness, Like Hannah
Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:1 (ESV)
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit…
John 15:8 (ESV)
The Books of Samuel start with Hannah: a faithful wife, who was barren and sad. Although both God and her husband loved her, Hannah was taunted by wife #2.
So Hannah “conceived” a big idea: If God would allow her to have a son, she would dedicate him to God’s service.
What happened next? He agreed to the deal! Therein, Hannah delivered Samuel: first from her womb, then later to the Lord. He became both a judge and a prophet.
But one familiar question begs asking: Why did Hannah receive a miracle, while others among us are still waiting?
God's timing and choices are His to know. Our continued trust is His to receive. God WILL make every faithful saint FRUITFUL, if we persevere in hope and prayer. (But we can’t know the look or the timing.)
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
What should you know about childlessness?
Be sympathetic and never mock pain: 'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing' (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Also, 'Mourn with those who mourn' (Romans 12:15). 'And pray for one another, that you may be healed' (James 5:16).
Impossible conceptions still happen: 'Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son' (Genesis 18:14). 'Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age... she who was called barren' (Luke 1:36).
For faithful saints, fruitfulness is guaranteed. 'He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!' (Psalm 113:9); 'Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it...' (Philippians 1:6).
Christian fruitfulness means more than one thing.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Raising children is part of YOUR mission, and they don't need to be born from your womb! But they DO need uplifting examples, and if they watch you, they may follow you!
If they follow you, some will find Jesus, even to the place of their salvation. Isn’t that the best kind of fruitfulness?
Suffering: Childlessness, Like Hannah (Part 28)
* Short article: What should we learn from the life of Hannah? Who was Hannah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
* My lifelong friend, Suzanne Green, owner of Millie Lewis Talent Agency, was not able to conceive, but helped raise thousands of performers (most of them Christians) into fruitful industry careers. She considers these success stories her “children”. https://www.millielewischarleston.com/#millie-lewis
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!