Day 128: I Have Asked

Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-20

Central Thought: We can ask God to give us our deepest desires.

Most people have probably heard a story about a person who finds a genie in a magic lamp and gets three wishes. There are a lot of people who try to treat God like He is a genie who grants their wishes.

Hannah’s story rises out of a deep longing in her heart and reveals that we can ask God to give us our deepest desires. But, lest we allow our selfish ambitions and greediness to kick in, we must look closely at the whole story.

First, Hannah had been suffering for a long time. Her afflictions had gone on for years. Rarely do we find God in the ‘quick fix” business, just so we can avoid unwanted afflictions.

Second, Hannah vowed to return to the Lord the answer He would provide. Are our deepest desires for our personal gain, or that God would be served and honored when He gives us what we ask of Him?

Third, when the answer came, Hannah gave the praise and credit to God. The name she gave to her son would be a daily testimony, for the name ‘Samuel” sounds like the Hebrew for ‘heard of God.”

What is your deepest desire? Have you asked God to grant it? Has He fulfilled your request? May His answer bring you joy, and may you give God the glory.

Devotional Prayer: God, may You grant me the desire of my heart; and may the answer bring You glory, honor, and praise.

Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21; John 5:1-23; Psalm 105:37-45; Proverbs 14:28-29