HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ( really?)

I wonder what it was really like on the eve of 15th August 1947 in India... I wonder what was going through Pandit. Jawaharlal Nehru's (first Prime Minister of Independent India) mind the mid night he gave that historical speech to the FREED nation and people. It was however interesting to know that Gandhiji went to Calcutta instead to be with the marginalized communities and people... Today we just celebrate the 67th Independence day... I wonder what was going through our present Prime Minister's mind when he stood and face the nation and gave that speech... did he ever felt what Nehru and Gandhiji felt that midnight? Did anyone of us felt so proud and truly felt the sense of freedom in a true sense? 

The murkier the politics are getting into around the world, the depravity for truth, justice and equally are at the verge of extinction. I sometimes wonder if John Lennon's infamous song " Imagine" comes true... Country after another country either because we do really care for one another or because every country will bow down and worship.. Technologies and spaceships's getting more and more accessible... everyone talks about rocket today...but hardly can find one who talks about FORGIVENESS. Infact corruption has become a household name. It spreads faster than cancer. GENDER ISSSUES, RAPE, TERRORISM, INFLATION, POLITICS, RESERVATION, etc etc....Our own countries faces different circumtances but the reality of our HEARTS are the same..... No one goes away scot free. We take home our own share of realities. If you happen to read this article, I beseech you buddies to look around and see that though the problem seems gigantic, it is never too late to start making a difference. There is no wrong time to do good...

GOD IS WITH US AS WE WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY

(Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...Psalm 23:4)

I've heard that there is a road that goes between Jericho and Jerusalem known as the "shadow of death". It was named due to its narrow way and steep sides. By the name itself, it gives me weird sorts of extreme fear. Am sure not many travelers have trotted that path and cross that valley. Similar to what David encountered,

as a shepherd, he was very much aware of these types of narrow trails that if the sheep got on them, would usually result in the death of many sheep sliding down into the ravine. I can imagine young David walking alone with his sheep and making every effort to walk pass that valley every time he crosses that way (Psalm 23:4). By the time when evening sets in, the darker it would get, the more treacherous the attempt to navigate the trail. As it would get darker, the temperature would drop and your heartbeat rises. Also as darkness descends, the vicious wild animals appear looking for their evening meal. 
The other perfect example was Elijah. Elijah witness God’s outpouring of his power at Mount Carmel. Indeed he had that magnificent mountain top experience where he defeated his enemy. But God interestingly didn’t let Elijah stay there at the mountain top for long. In the next chapter, we see how Elijah went down the valley. It was quite unbelievable to see the same anointed Elijah who killed countless of Baal’s prophets running for life from King Ahab’s wife Jezebel. He himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" … To make it short, the Angel of the Lord came and attended him. God encourages the DISCOURAGED Elijah… Friends, God was with Elijah during the mountain top phase and also in his down the valley experience. He is the same God today…   

The Valley of Doubt and Uncertainty

I’ve been in this valley many times. I’ve question my own worth and God’s perfect plan for me. When I was a younger, I often imagine if I was born with a silver spoon like many people around…I’ve doubted God’s purpose for me. I left home since I was very young. Along with my elder bro, we stayed in a hostel of the school where we studied. Parents never have enough to support us but they never give up on us. We always wait for the monthly pocket money our parents send us through some people coming. As I grew up, the experience that I went through being a refugee in my own homeland due to war left a huge scar in my mind and heart. I was never comfortable with taking risk. To talk about tomorrow or future was always something I’ve feared. Many of us also undergo hunger (real hunger), separation, parents getting divorce, becoming orphan or you are an adopted child and many more. But Psalm 23:4 has changed my life. God changed my heart. I must confess that I still don’t know what my future holds, but today am sure and know who holds my future. BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW.

The Valley of Fear

Imagine it’s raining, lightning and thundering, windy, slippery and dark evening, you’re feeling hungry and tired, you can hear the vicious wolves howling and coming for your sheep and for you as well… David must have had a real tough call to make each time he crosses that path. David displayed what it takes to be a good shepherd to his sheep and he also displayed what it takes to be a sheep under that good shepherding of God. Psalm 23 assured us that nothing can change the fact that you belong to God, and He is in ultimate control of your life. Ask God to make you aware of His presence with you and to give you the peace that only He can give – the peace that surpasses all understanding. Remember that God will help you overcome anything that’s causing you fear. Ask Him to give you the strength you need. Realize that God will be faithful to you, even when you’re not faithful to Him. Use your time in this valley to learn how to trust God more, knowing that struggles build trust by showing you how to live out your faith. Let’s remember… “Safety and security is not found in the absence of danger but only found in God’s presence”… Let’s walk that valley under God’s presence.

The valley of Death

God knew that every person would sooner or later have to walk through the shadow of the valley of death as their physical life came to an end. From this perspective, the emphasis on this verse is found in the comforting words that "God is with us" even in this journey. One of my husband’s friends died of freaky road accident few days ago. He was just 26. So, at that moment “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God” sounds crazy… How can his sisters and his old mother thank God over the death body of their loved one lying cold and lifeless? It was not his fault. I really feel like crying as I write this now… friends am not trying to convinced you and console you but God said… no matter in whatever circumstances we are, God is with us. He promised us his presence till the end of time. The empty tomb is the perfect reminder that DEATH is not that ugly and scary… truly death has no sting. If you’re walking through that valley today, may the good shepherd leads you and empower you and give you much needed grace and comfort.

The Valley of Detours

Moses was the perfect example of a person who has visited this valley. Faces many blocks and criticism. But God led Moses and his people and he was with them till the end of the journey. If you’re walking through this valley of many blocks coming your way, remember even though you don’t know where the detour will lead, God does. Lift your eyes beyond your circumstances to God and trust Him to guide you well. Cooperate with His plans for you so that you and I can understand his heartbeat and understand the bigger picture.

The Valley of self-pity and the feeling of been unloved

I never ever imagine in my wildest dream that I’ll be walking through this valley someday. Today, am overcoming and am in a much better space because God is healing me and his people. After all the personal crisis and brokenness faced, I really can’t imagine how many people goes through that valley every hour and every moment of their lives. To me, there’s nothing more humiliating and more pitiful than to feel that you’re not loved. By walking down this valley, God taught me that there’s no perfect love apart from his love. The cross was the perfect ring that reveals his love for me. God loves us and there’s nothing that can separate us from the love of God. We are indeed much more than a conqueror.

The Valley of Suffering

Having worked with People living with HIV and AIDS, I just don’t have any audacity to share my own suffering. My friends have suffered enough and I always can’t imagine if I’d be in their shoes. In all these dark bottomless pit of suffering, it is so consoling to know that, because God is sovereign, nothing can get to you without
first coming through Him. The ultimate suffering was displayed on the cross. Christ definitely knew what suffering was. Am so glad that Christ knows what goes through my life. He definitely walks with us even through this valley.

The Valley of Storms

Invite God to use the storms you go through to stretch your faith. Understand that God can use storms for correcting (returning you to a right relationship with Him), perfecting (to mature you and prepare you for serving more in His kingdom), and instructing (to teach lessons you couldn't learn otherwise). As you struggle through a storm, keep in mind that He is rooting for you. Not only that, but He is praying for you to remain faithful and learn to trust Him even more. Don’t panic, no matter how much rain falls, how loud the thunder crashes, or how close the lightning strikes, because God is more powerful than any storm you could ever experience. We just need to have that little faith.

The Valley of Disappointments

Things are not happening as expected, no acknowledgement or encouragement from any angle. Feeling like you’ve wasted yourself and all your investments not bearing any results. Feels like quitting and fell so burnout… friends, seek counsel from people who are close to God, rather than from worldly sources. Bring your problems and pains to God and ask Him to empower you to handle them according to His will. Ask God for encouragement, and know that He will give it to you. Remember that if you wait until you feel like doing something, you often won’t do it, but if you decide to take action no matter what your feelings, your feelings will follow. Trust that obeying God will always bring His blessings into your life. Remember that nothing is impossible for God, and that problems are platforms for Him to work miracles if He chooses to do so. Know that you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you. Don’t quit living a faithful life; if you do, you’ll miss out on God’s best for you. Be persistent in faith until your circumstances change – and know that, in the process, you will change for the better yourself.

The Valley of Correction

David was corrected (confronted) by Prophet Nathan after he committed adultery and sin against God. Like David, even for many of us, we really doesn't like been corrected. Seriously, am so bad in this matter. But God said he disciplines and prune his children. Recognize that every crisis is an opportunity to take a personal inventory to determine how closely connected you are to God. Many times, our pride that entangles us tend to deceive us by saying we’re perfect, so to be humble and meek is only to be taken by the weak. However God reminds us today to unlearn what we've learned. We can be full of ourselves... and that hinders the fresh air to pass through... Christ's life was the perfect example...he will surely lift you up because he loves to lift up the meek and humble... 

Hubby trekking through the valley (Manali)

Conclusion

David's soothing voice of confidence in this verse (Psalm 23:4) is that even if he must walk through the valley of death late in the day with shadows abounding and potential for disaster with every step; he would fear no evil. In other words, he was able to walk through this valley with peace. Why? Because he knew God was with him and that God's rod and staff would guide him and bring him comfort. He had his first-hand experience of God’s protection… he didn't simply heard about it from somebody but he experienced it personally. Indeed, His rod and his staff, they continue to comfort us… His grace surpasses our sin and infact i truly agree to what Phillip Yancey said: THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO MAKE GOD LOVE US MORE or LESS... Remember, the great shepherd went to look out for the one sheep missing leaving behind the 99... what GUTS and audacity he displayed to reach out to you and me...

If you find yourself walking through a valley right now, let God comfort you and may his presence be real to you as He walks alongside you. No matter what, whether you're experiencing that Mt. Carmel moment or the valley moment... He still rules and we're in his mind right now.  AMEN.

SACRED MARRIAGE by GARY THOMAS (BOOK REVIEW)

After my office (Shalom Delhi) relocation, I’ve started spending many of my time traveling in Delhi metro to reach my office and home too. My friend Persis ( i called her soulmate sister) therefore gave me a book last month to read while traveling. Since the day I started reading that book, I can’t help but realize how in odd places and circumstances, we can always create that environment to learn and grow. SACRED MARRIAGE by Gary Thomas has indeed attained the rank of a contemporary classic. The unusual premise of the book sets a powerful ground breaking perspective on “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?"  A thought-provoking and challenging book where the writer treats marriage with a respect far greater toward God than for happiness which is fleeting, and that makes this book beautiful and profound. 

Gary Thomas’s excellent conversational skill in writing was so obvious from the way how the first sentence was formed till the last word written in the last 13^th chapter of the bestseller’s masterpiece. All the 13^th Chapters are critically presented and profoundly written. It almost sounded like a beautiful story book where you can relate to many of the human stories Gary has mention.

“Faithful participation in God’s kingdom invites and encourages others as we serve; it doesn’t diminish them.” The evangelical world tends to value “accomplishers,” people who get things done. The danger of this is that spouses often pay the biggest price for some of the accomplishments, and “true” spirituality can easily suffer as a result are some of the realities we faces and that makes Gary’s book more relevant even in our own professional and personal context. However the twist is this, when our marriage becomes our primary pursuit and treasure, our delight in the relationship will be crippled by fear, possessiveness and self-centeredness. The analogy of Christ and his church is the very foundation on which a true Christian marriage is based. From the practice of forgiveness to the beautiful physical intimacy, from sacred servant hood to the sacred history you and your spouse create together, the book embarks a very reflective journey with so much of possibility and potential for discovering and revealing Christ’s character. Personally, to look at marriage through the lens of holiness began to put it into an entirely a new perspective for me. Indeed marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with our holy God.

The good news is, this is a book that looks and points beyond marriage. Building Christ like character is the main theme; marriage was simply the context because whether married or not, our primary goal is to please God and grow in that Christ like character. You don’t necessarily need to be married to read this book. Every believer can relate well with what the award winning author has prayerfully written. A must read for all believers. The book doesn’t at all make you feel guilty; instead it allows you reclaim your privilege and spiritual blessings God has intended. For me it was absolutely worth the long metro ride.

RECAPTURING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH and CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

It is very interesting to see how Churches across denomination are holding on to different interpretation and most often such contention are nullified either because of its strong church background or for many other reasons. So when we talk about women’s role in the church and wider ministry, I wonder if at all women can be trusted to do anything other than pour tea and snacks at the end of the church service or leading the Sunday schools. I know we’ve moved on from such situation but the question of inclusive theology and gospel in our church and society is still in the recovery process. Having said that, Apostle Paul’s view of women as mention in I Timothy 2:12 and I Corinthians 14: 34 has been one of the biggest sources of controversy and judgement too. Contrary to many interpreters, interestingly enough Paul had an inclusive worldview- an attitude that was rather extraordinary for his times. Many people have misinterpreted through different lens and have caused enough spiritual casualties. So personally speaking, I strongly believe that issues such as this deserve and qualify to be treated very cautiously and dealt with humility and with the soundness of the word of God and divine influenced. Otherwise, there are enough slippery slopes where our faith and beliefs can be easily sold out to what I can say as distortion and assassination of truth and God’s redemptive work. To many, the insulting implication is that any Christian woman who steps outside the lines of ecclesiastical propriety and presumes to speak for God or displays any level of courage is labelled rebellious, disobedient, or spiritually conniving. Collectively, we have cultivated that bizarre fear and so if we want to stake a claim that women shouldn’t involve in leading or preaching, do we assume then that the church have supressed and buried alive their spiritual gifts too or are we prepared to say that everything women and men have done to expand the kingdom of God was a mistake because women was involved and she was a leader too.

Therefore, the main objective and the backbone of this article is to acknowledge the fact that the inclusion of women in the Christian ministry is imperative but as believers and body of Christ, we have to ingrained it in our heart that the return of Christ is imminent and while all these quarrels and disputes needed to be resolved, our utmost responsibility is to carefully ensure that such contention doesn’t limit us from serving God fully and deprive us from making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey God’s command (Matthew 28:16-20). As mention earlier, whenever any debates on women and their role in the church and ministry are laid out in the table, undeniably the first thing that comes to our mind is the Pauline’s perspective on women as mention in I Corinthians 11 and I Timothy 2. For a person like Paul, who was sharply criticized and disapproved by many early believers for all his past involvement and influences was later on significantly used by God to minister powerfully to all of them and one of whom was Peter. Paul ministered to them that there’s no difference between circumcised or uncircumcised because that was still debated strongly within the disciples. GALATIANS 3:27- 28 Paul edified the believers and the church that in Christ there is no difference between races or gender. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” So interestingly it was the same Paul who said about the modesty of women and to what many considered it as imposition of the Jewish rabbinical law or in other words spiritual subordination. Many Christians are most familiar with a few passages in Paul’s letters that seem to denigrate women, keeping them in their place, and even silencing them. Perhaps we need to give these passages a fresh hearing, with special attention given to the original context. In Paul’s first letter to Corinth, he writes about the worshipping assembly, emphasizing the appropriate attitudes and roles. In one particular passage he speaks of the need for women to cover their heads so as not to bring shame when praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). So, here’s the background of Corinth.

In 44 BC Corinth became a Roman colony under Julius Caesar and adopted Roman law and culture as its own. The population included foreigners and resident aliens from Egypt, Syria, Asia Minor, and other parts of the east Mediterranean who brought their own cultures and customs to Corinth. Paul was certainly concerned about confused and disorderly meetings aggravated by frequent interruptions. Because everyone is jabbering away at once, the content of good theology was not being communicated. This is why Paul supplies the theological basis for orderliness in the next verse"... … for God is not a God of confusion but of peace”. Against such development, Paul admonishes the believers in Corinth to stay in oneness and be united by the word of God. It is in this context that Paul says "let the women keep silent." It was also suggested that many women were guilty of misusing their freedom in Christ, including false teaching, to try to take over the running of the church. In such a case, Paul would not be speaking to a normal situation, but to a threatening division or at least disruption in the local church.

By saying this, the writer’s intent to convey that the main theme repeatedly found in the New Testament is that the special qualification to serve God and his people doesn’t at all come from being male or female but from the new birth. The coming of Christ inaugurated a “new creation” identity which transcends the law and the law that differentiate the uncircumcised, the gentiles, barbarian, Scythian; slaves are put to eternal rest by Christ redemptive act on the cross.

The new creation, chosen race, holy nation, royal priesthood, aroma, ambassadors, children of God, the bride… are all the entitlement and privileges for those who are in Christ. Before the Pentecost, circumcision was the sign of membership in the community but now it is only within the parameter of God’s grace that we are determined. So to override that new identity in Christ in order to promote what is convenient for us is nothing but to tamper God’s word and his will too. Therefore, withstanding the full involvement of women in the church and ministry including spoken ministry on the basis of gender is to deny the theology of partnership as intended by God. God’s providential love and mercy in choosing us and calling us are profoundly evident as mention below.

Joel 2:28 mention, "After this, I will pour my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. 2.29 In those days I will pour my Spirit on servants, on both men and women. 2.30 I will work miracles in the sky and on the earth: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke. I shall pour out my spirit on a woman (daughters) and she shall prophesy but be silent? In Matthew 28:5-10, it was not only the angel but even Christ himself who commended women to go and tell the disciples about the good news of the resurrection of Christ. However interestingly in the gospel of Luke 24:11 it was mention that when the women went and tell the apostles, “But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense”. After all what Christ taught them and showed them while he was still with them, they miserably failed to exercise their faith and believe what Christ taught them. May be they just can’t believe that God met those women first and not them or may be women are stupid and are supposed to be silent. I shall tell women to proclaim the message of my resurrection but be silent?

In Romans 16:1 (and the following verses), we see how many women believers supported Paul’s ministry. Special mention was given to Phoebe in 1-2, where she was addressed as deacon of the church in Cenchrea. “Deaconess” was not a word at that time and was first used in AD 375. The common word “deacon” is most often translated “minister” in the King James Version. Paul called himself a deacon in 1 Corinthians 3:5 and it is used for Timothy in Acts 19:22. Deacon is used with “co-worker” (synergos) and commonly meant someone who teaches and preaches; the person would have some authority in the church. Another thing to consider is that the term deacon was masculine and only males functioned as deacons in Greek culture. Paul knew very well what he was doing when he used that term for Phoebe. Many churches today quote I Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1: 6-9 as a set of standard to elect ONLY men as elders in the church. Elders and leaders in the church need to be men (not women), but what about Phoebe who serves the church in Cenchrea as deacon (minister)… a silent deacon?  Acts 18:24 now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. 18:25 He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 18:26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. I shall tell Priscilla who instructed my servant Apollos to be silent? Was Apollos spiritually emasculated when he submitted to Pricilla’s correction? Absolutely not. His ministry was strengthened actually.  Acts 21:8…The next day we left and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. 21:9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. I shall tell Philip's daughters to prophesy but be silent? How about we assert that women remove their braids and gold necklaces when they come to church as Paul says in 1Timothy 2:9? Probably not. We don’t regard these as universal. But when we come to verses that restrict women’s participation in ministry just a few verses later some suddenly view those verses as binding on all generation, for all cultures and for all times. Why? Throughout the early Christianity and church history, many women missionaries were church planters and were courageous in their faith even to the point of dead. These women were not looking for a spotlight or a pulpit, nor were they out to win an argument or to prove that women are better than men. They were prayer warriors who loved the Word of God and used it skilfully to combat the evils of their day. They were mothers of the faith who nurtured new converts with the milk of salvation and obeyed the Lord. Can the church then accuse them of blasphemy?

I know this sounds primitive, but many Christian institution /churches hobbles about on one foot because it is unwilling to give women their rightful role as competent Christian co-workers. By saying this, am not trying to set up propaganda that women MUST be allowed to, instead it is God who chose us. He called us. So when that choosing /calling is already been initiated by God, why at all then do we have to choose again on the basis of colour, gender, status etc.  We know that Christ is the new covenant and in him all distinction are dissolved. He is the mediator and the high priest. Surely then, our deepest convictions should come from a positive response to the gospel of Truth, the gospel that profess the supremacy of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The Father will not fulfil his purpose outside the church (the bride of his son). Our main goal as believers (both men and women) is therefore to become more like Christ each day, he must become greater and we must become less (John3:30). So then, the church should be a redemptive force amid oppressive traditions and cultures. The church should then recognize the calling of both women and men and assert our true Christian dignity as found in the bible whether it is Old Testament or New Testament. Although discussions on women’s roles in worship and ministry are significant, attention should also focus on how men and women might serve together as co-workers in Godly partnership and engage in the sphere which God has ordained for both and to that end, may the God of peace, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip us with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

THINGS OF GREAT VALUE

(Who wouldn't like to have this blue stone anyway )

The other day, i was leisurely talking with some of my friends on the most expensive things one has ever bought for self or for others. There's a sharp differences in treating an expensive cloths or jewellery or anything with a high cost to the rest of the cheap ones. For example, ornamental fixation has become really visible. Be it in a celluloid reel or real world, often we hear of celebrities competing on who's engagement or wedding ring is most exquisite or most expensive. Well... some have worked hard and fully deserve to have it for themselves, but wander how many rings do they have to change for each overnight divorces and swapping. One of the modern ad says, 'diamonds are women's best friend'... Definitely Countries go to war over them. They're the fixation of many a miner and pick. They're relatively small, but they always gather a crowd. From the world's largest (512 carat in the Crown Jewels of England) to a minute speck mounted on a wedded couple's ring finger. It is considered the nearest thing to "priceless" we have. This is what Max Lucado ones said, Not so, says the Bible! Four things are of greater value than a sea of diamonds, a river of gold, or a mountain of silver. 

They are:
Wisdom
" . . . for it is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire compares with it."
God's Words & Works

" . . . they are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold."
An Excellent Wife
" . . . for her worth is far above jewels."
Personal Reputation
"A good name is to be more desired than great riches; favor is better than silver and
gold."
Most of the people have been blessed with some of these. Bible clearly mention that
much of every day should be spent to protect these treasures, and with good cause. Throughout time and history, the enemies of God have deliberately attempted to discredit and destroy these four because they are of inestimable value which is much much more valuable than anything the world can give. Many a times, how easy it is for us to be swapped by the worldly symbolic attention that we draw. No doubt, we have to safeguard these divine gifts so that the unseen thieves don't strike us down offguard.

Knowing God's bigger picture ( IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD)

Folks, I would love to share a story of a woman who changes the course of the history of great and mighty nation as mention in the Bible. Her partnership with God in accomplishing God’s mission was unimaginable. This woman who was called by God to be a mother not just fulfills her motherly duty towards her children and family but fulfilled the mission assigned by God.  She was non-other than Hannah wife of Elkanah (the mother of Samuel).

Hannah lived in a time of decline. Israel had arrived at one of the darkness points in her history. After Moses and Joshua had ruled the nation so capably, the time of the judges arrived. It was during those times people were so uninterested in God and they increasingly turned toward serving idols. The spiritual climate was no longer liveable. People have become so sinful that even Eli, the head priest who was the keeper of the tabernacle started to tolerate the sinful behaviour of his sons. In the midst of all these social, political and spiritual turmoil that was happening, God preserve Hannah’s heart to be burden with something greater than all the circumstances around. The Lord shut up Hannah’s womb and because of which Hannah was a curse in front of Penninah (the other wife of Elkanah). She had shed countless tears because she also felt forsaken by God for making her barren and most of all because of Peninnah who like to pick on her and ridicule her.

As I continue to study about this amazing woman, I was so encouraged by the fact that Hannah first committed her situation to God. This God guided act was so pleasing to God and eventually blessed her with more children and delivered Israel. The severity of Hannah’s misery was heighten by the cultural obligation that bearing children was the very most utmost important duty of a married woman under the Old Testament culture. I can’t imagine how Hannah must be feeling when her husband took another wife and the second wife gave him children. I wonder what Hannah must have gone through all those sleepless nights and hopeless days, but there’s one thing that am deeply convinced. Hannah never falls into such self-pity trap. She never gave Satan that foothold.

In fact, when she prayed, she didn’t ask for a son so that she can compete with Peninnah or get her husband’s attention or redeem herself from the cultural norms or boost her own self esteem but instead she presented God with a great petition followed by a promise “THEN I WILL GIVE HIM BACK TO YOU FOR ALL OF HIS LIFE…” (1 Samuel 1:11 onwards). It was a very personal cut throat like situation for her because she was making an almost impossible promise to God (what if she really had a son who’s more handsome or smarter than Penninah’s or any boys in the neighbourhood or what if her husband disagree). Only a mother or someone who have the heart of a mother could possibly realize how great a sacrifice that Hannah was making. Hannah however had this crystal clear understanding that she was called by God and there she’s eventually called to a bigger partnership. Her faith never wavered. She unshakably stood the test of time though many times she cried and felt lonely.  Hannah built her life on the rock. She knew there was no firmer foundation. How could she do that? Hannah had a personal relationship with God that fuelled her trust, commitment, and life. She experienced his power and his fruitfulness, and she learned that her truest joy was in God alone. That’s what her song said: “I rejoice in the Lord!” And while we focus on people and on things, we miss the whole point! Only God can fill our heart with permanent joy, and she found this. She became a bold witness for him.

Hannah’s influence was absolutely immeasurable on her nation. Hannah gave Israel a son that turned the nation around. Bible scholars say it was Samuel that brought them back Israelites to righteousness. It was Samuel that anointed the first king; Samuel that anointed the second king; Samuel who became the last judge and the first prophet. However, many including me in many occasions are like Penninah who never know that even in the midst of all hopelessness and decaying, the will of God is actively at work. Penninah couldn’t look beyond what she can see with her physical eyes. Many can relate well with Penninah because many times we in our own strength want our children to be the smartest kid in the town or ensure they attend the best school and make every afford to provide future security…but what about dedicating our children before God. Israel needed a God fearing man, and God gave Samuel to them, but he gave him the mother that would be so committed to God that she wanted her son to serve him. Hannah gave her son to worship the true living God; she gave her son to serve God. It was so visible that Hannah nurtured the heart of her son and did exercise authority as God’s agent. But above all she gave herself to God first. Not to forget, she was a wonderful & faithful life partner too.

We therefore begin to see something of the reason why Samuel grew up to be a great man in the service of God. God still needs mothers like that! God still needs children like that! But are we willing to step out of the boat like Hannah and take a leap of faith. Am sure the storm’s big enough to overwhelmed & daunt us down but friends, there’s no firmer foundation than to be in Christ for we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness and to that end we will learn like Hannah to know that the will of God is actively at work even when the world seems hopeless and meaningless. As we celebrate mother’s day, we can only re-examine our motives and check whether our goals are Godward oriented and are willing to partnership with God for the labourers are few.  God bless you as you spare your time reading this article.