This all began with Hannah, the mother of Samuel (Old Testament Prophet found in 1 Samuel). As I was reading her story, I noticed cross references in certain verses that I had never noticed before, leading me over to Genesis. There I found Sarah. In an obvious connection, the two were alike for they both earnestly desired for a child in their old age.
Then the wheels began spinning. Sarah. Hannah. Rachel. Rebekah. Elizabeth.
Sarah: Formerly Sari, she was the cherished wife of Abraham. After years of seeking the Lord for a child (even going so far as to encourage Abraham to take other wives), He sent messengers to Abraham to bring the news that Sarah would bear a child in her "advanced age" (Genesis 18). Sarah laughed at the impossibility, but in due time, she did conceive and bore a son named Issac (Gen. 21).
Rebekah: A beautiful wife found for Issac in an incredible, direct answer to prayer from a faithful servant (Gen. 24). She, like Sarah, was unable to conceive for many years. Her husband Issac prayed earnestly to the Lord, and "the Lord answered his prayer" and blessed the couple with twin boys named Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:21).
Rachel: Jacob won the right to marry her after working 14 years of hard labor for her father, his Uncle Laban. Rachel and her sister Leah both became Jacob's wives, but Jacob truly loved Rachel (he was tricked into marrying Leah). God saw Leah's plight, and caused her to be very fruitful, but Rachel remained barren. After struggles of jealousy and conflict, the Lord remembered Rachel and she had 2 sons: Joseph and Benjamin (Gen. 29).
Hannah: Wife to a righteous man, Hannah was also loved more than the other wives of her husband. She was advancing in years, completely grief stricken at her still empty arms. After an small misunderstanding at the Temple with Eli, the prophet prayed blessing over her. The Lord then remembered Hannah and filled her hearts desire--little Samuel was born! God gave her Samuel, and in turn, she gave Samuel to the Lord to minister before Him (1 Samuel 1)
Elizabeth: Wife to Zechariah, both man and wife were known as righteous. However, Elizabeth still lacked the blessing of hearing children's laughter in her own home. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, announcing that Elizabeth would bear a son who was the long awaited forerunner of Jesus Christ--John the Baptist (Luke 1).
5 Women.
-Each had a Righteous Husband (possessed the favor of the Lord and followed the Law)
-Each was loved dearly by their husbands
-Most experienced some sort of incredible message or dream about their child (being told they would be pregnant, having dreams about who their child would become, etc.)
-Each underwent some sort of trial, test or waiting period
-Each was remembered by God
-Each had a son that has a significant role in Scripture
So, what's really going on here? Let me ask you this first. What is more incredible and glorifying to God: a woman who bears a child, or an older woman--still following the Lord after years of testing--receiving her hearts desire and prophecies being fulfilled before her very eyes?
But get this. God did not just give them all sons. He gave them children who would play significant roles in Biblical History--a heritage!!!! This part blows my mind. Sarah bore Issac, the firstborn of the Nation God promised to Abraham, as well as becoming one of Abraham's biggest tests in Faith. Rebekah bore Esau and Jacob--Jacob, one who wrestled with God and received the name "Israel", as well as becoming the father of the 12 tribes of Israel (his sons). Rachel bore Joseph, a tribe of Israel and also the door to bring the Israelites into Egypt so God might bring them out (and establish the Old Covenant and 10 Commandments). Hannah bore Samuel, a man full of the Spirit of God, growing up to anoint King David, the house from which Jesus would arise. Elizabeth bore John the Baptist, fore-running prophet (and cousin) to Jesus the Christ...and these are just teensy descriptions of their lives.
Do you see what I mean? I get goosebumps thinking about all this. Think about it: after countless hours pouring out your heart to God (or years), He remembers you. But it was not just a "oops, I forgot about them" mentality with God-- It was a blessing that God was preparing their hearts for, as well as giving them the opportunity to trust Him.
So, where does this leave us? I asked the Lord that this morning. Know what His immediate answer was? "With Faith. It leaves you with Faith, Anna."
Friend, whether you are waiting for your own arms to be filled, for your door of ministry to open, for salvation to come to your household, for promises to be fulfilled...have Faith. Believe in the tested word of God. I don't think that these woman have similar stories for a mere coincidence. Every tear, every prayer, every heart cry is heard by the One you have placed your trust in. "These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:7). Each of these women wanted what was good, yet the Lord cultivated their faith while planning to give them what was better. As we walk in humility with hearts desiring His will above all, He will remember our prayers. He is working all things for good, stretching and preparing us to be a Citizen of Heaven, as well as a greater Glory for Himself. Don't lose heart. :)
Following Behind Jesus,
Anna
P.s. If you have any additional thoughts or connections in each woman's story, feel free to leave me a note below! :)
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