Hannah was barren. Unable to conceive she cried out to the Lord, and in due time He answered miraculously and little Samuel was born. God's intervention was monumental.
This past Sunday our Senior Pastor spoke about the importance of "Milestone Moments". He began the message by recounting with us examples of God's marvelous provision in the lives of those he knew personally. As he shared story after story of God's goodness, my heart rejoiced with those who had encountered the Lord in such incredible, uplifting answers to prayer. As each illustration unfolded, I found myself celebrating with those who had experienced such joy-filled responses, yet at the same time, as I considered my "milestone moments" with God, I thought how the majority have come through meeting Him in desert places and wilderness wanderings. It's been in the middle of barren, painful circumstances that praise has been birthed as the Lord has revealed Himself in a new and specific way.
Just yesterday, a friend of mine on holiday in Italy where her precious husband has taken ill and needs heart surgery, shared the following update. I identify more with her example of a milestone moment. This is God hearing her plea, remembering her, and in the midst of the path of heartache that she is currently walking in a foreign country, God's care is breath-taking. Here is the update she shared:
"Tonight as my daughter and I grabbed a quick dinner my phone rang. It said 'spam risk' so I didn't answer it. A few minutes later the same number called. I said, 'I'm going to take this because maybe it's someone wanting to help.'
'Hi, I'm S. Someone notified our church that you are in need of a place to stay. The church asked me to call because my wife and I are Americans and we've been where you are. Several years ago when we were missionaries in Thailand I got severely sick and my wife was frightened and alone. We have a place you can stay until Sunday that is a bible school/retreat center. After Sunday we'll figure something out through our church. You're not alone.'
He is coming to the hospital tomorrow to meet us. He is working here as a religious worker so he may be allowed to meet and pray with my husband. That would certainly give him peace of mind.
I am in awe of God's faithful provision. God is good. All the time."
I couldn't even get through reading her update without tears flowing. In barren places, God provides. He hears every plea lifted on bended knee. He is never unaware of our circumstances or cold and indifferent to the sadness that can envelop our souls when we feel forgotten and forsaken. God births hope and provision through His endless storehouse of resources, breathing life and hope into bleak and desolate situations.
Breathless and barren, keep waiting for Him. In due time new birth will be conceived and delivered.
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