LOVE, RESPECT & DEVOTION
"Do what seems best to you," her husband Elkanah told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD make good his word." So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him.
1 Samuel 1:23 (NIV)
Elkanah's response to Hannah reveals something beautiful about love, respect and devotion. When Hannah told her husband that she would remain home until Samuel was weaned, Elkanah did not argue, pressure her or forcefully override her decision. He simply supported her and trusted God with the outcome.
Real love does not always mean getting our way. Sometimes love means supporting someone when they make a difficult, faith-filled decision. It means listening, respecting, encouraging and standing beside the person God has placed in your life.
Elkanah respected both God and his wife enough to support her obedience. He understood that Hannah had made a vow to God, and instead of standing in the way, he encouraged her to fulfill it. His words demonstrated trust and respect. He allowed Hannah the freedom to follow God while trusting God himself.
Last year, my husband was offered a job that, if he accepted, would require a drastic change in my life and my job. My husband knew this was going to be difficult for me, yet because of his deep love and respect for me, he asked if I wanted him to turn down the position. But I knew God's plan wasn't just about me. I believed honoring God meant supporting my husband as he stepped into his calling. It was a sacrifice, but it was also an opportunity to demonstrate love, respect and devotion to him and to God.
For men, Elkanah provides a powerful example. Spiritual leadership does not mean controlling people or demanding your way. Sometimes leadership looks like listening, encouraging and creating space for others to follow God. For women, Hannah reminds us that devotion to God may require surrendering something we love. Sacrificial devotion asks What can I give? Rather than What can I get?
APPLICATION: Today, ask God to show you one way you can demonstrate love, respect or devotion through sacrifice to a spouse, a friend, a co-worker or even a stranger.
PRAYER: Dear Father, teach me to love with humility, respect and devotion. Help me support those You have placed in my life and trust You when obedience requires sacrifice. Give me a heart like Hannah and the supportive spirit of Elkanah. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?