How does 1 Samuel 2:19 encourage you to serve God with your resources? The Scene at Shiloh “Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 2:19) What We See in Hannah’s Gift • A very real mother stitches a very real garment—Scripture presents an actual event, not a metaphor. • Her gift fits her growing boy each year; she adjusts the robe to meet new needs. • She brings it while participating in the required sacrifice, intertwining worship with practical care. • Nothing extravagant—just obedient, thoughtful provision rendered in love. Principles Drawn from the Verse • Consistency matters. Year after year, Hannah’s generosity does not wane. • Stewardship is personal. She uses her own hands, time, and thread—resources God placed directly under her control. • Giving is integrated with worship. Her sewing project is inseparable from temple sacrifice. • Size is not the point. A “little robe” has great value because it meets a God-given responsibility. Serving God with Our Resources Today 1. Honor God first. “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) 2. Start where you are. The widow’s two coins (Luke 21:1-4) prove that even a small offering delights the Lord when given from the heart. 3. Keep it regular. Plan generosity into the yearly, monthly, or weekly rhythm of life, echoing Hannah’s annual visit. 4. Make it personal. A hand-written note, a home-cooked meal, or a ride to church can be as meaningful as a financial donation. 5. Tie it to worship. Give while gathering with God’s people—online transfers are fine, yet letting giving flow from a worshipping heart is crucial. 6. Grow with the need. As God enlarges your capacity, enlarge your robe; reassess and expand your giving. Motivations and Encouragements • God notices faithful giving. “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) • Kingdom investments never perish. “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20) • Cheerful giving pleases God. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Faithful use of small resources leads to greater trust. “He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” (Luke 16:10) Putting It All Together Hannah’s annual robe whispers a timeless invitation: take whatever fabric God has placed in your hands—money, skills, opportunities—and stitch it into continual acts of worship. As you do, you serve God Himself, bless His people, and weave your story into the enduring tapestry of His work in the world. |
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