It’s that time of year. May is full of all the “feels,” as it brings so many milestone events. For some Mommas this year, they are celebrating their first Mother’s Day. For some Mommas, their firstborn is walking across the kindergarten graduation stage. For some Mommas, their child is getting that high school diploma. For some, college is ending and the “real world” is beginning. And even if a child is not having one of these large milestone events, they are more than likely moving on to the next grade or next phase.
This is a time of major transition for Mothers as their children take the next steps in their lives. For many it can be difficult as children advance from one stage of life to the next, but we must remember that in reality we are only given children as a loan from the Lord; therefore, any time that we have with them is a blessing. As each transition period happens, we must determine in our hearts to release them back to the Lord.
In the Old Testament, Hannah had longed for a child. She had been barren. In 1 Samuel 1, it talks about how Hannah had gone to the sacrificial meal and had stepped away to pray.
“Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: ‘O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime…’” 1 Samuel 1: 10-11a
Hannah prayed to the Lord for a child and promised to give the child back to Him if her request was granted.
“When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I asked the Lord for him.’” 1 Samuel 1:19b-20
Hannah’s prayer was answered. She had given birth to a son.
“‘Sir, do you remember me?’ Hannah asked. ‘I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.’” 1 Samuel 1:26-28
Hannah had longed for this child. She desired a child so much that she basically bargained with the Lord. And God granted her request and Hannah came through on her promise. She gave back the child that the Lord had blessed her with. Hannah did not view this child as her own, but rather as something that God had given to her. Many times, we are not called to give our children over physically to the Lord, but how is our heart condition when it comes to parenting? Do we parent as someone who wants to tightly cling to their children, or as someone who has open hands for God to use them however He sees fit? Do we live with the knowledge that these children are on loan to us from God and truly belong to Him? Do we give all that we have to be used for His glory and parent in a way that brings love and gratitude to Him?
As we enter each new phase or transition, let us hold on to the fact that these children are not our own, but we must give them back to Him. We must be open-handed and open-minded to the plans that God has for them. He has given them to us only for us to give them back to Him.
This devotional was written by Amy Carrico of Making the Moments Matter. Click HERE to follow her on Facebook!
Last Updated on May 21, 2025
Leave a Reply