He Will Hold Me Fast

Key Points

  • Theme Verse: 1 Samuel 3:10 ("Speak, for your servant is listening.").
  • Background:
    • God called Samuel as a boy.
    • Samuel's role was vital in changing Israel's course.
    • God called Samuel three times before he and Eli understood.
  • 1 Samuel 3:2-10:
    • Eli was old and nearly blind.
    • Samuel slept near the ark.
    • Samuel didn't know the Lord yet, despite his temple service.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1: Messages from the Lord were rare and visions uncommon.
  • Parallels to Today:
    • We are used to instant results.
    • We may not understand God's calling.
    • God is testing our patience, faith, and discernment.
    • We might feel like we are being taken for granted.
  • Access to God:
    • We have much access to the Bible, podcasts, YouTube sermons, etc.
    • It can still feel like we can't hear God.
  • Comfort: God calls us as many times as it takes until we answer.
  • Perspective: Instead of labeling situations negatively, see them from God's perspective.
  • Personal Testimony: The speaker's last year was uneventful, and she was grateful.
  • Complaining: The speaker tends to complain, but looking back, she sees God's favor.
  • God's Timing: If you wait, you will see what God meant for you to do.
  • Samuel's Environment: Samuel grew up surrounded by corruption (Eli's sons).
  • God's Anointing: If God has anointed us, He has appointed a time and place for us.
  • Hannah's Story (1 Samuel 1:9-18):
    • Hannah was anguished because she was childless.
    • She wept and prayed at the temple every year.
    • Her prayers seemed unheard.
    • She was provoked by Elkanah's other wife.
  • God's Silence:
    • It can be difficult to discern what God wants.
    • We may feel unheard.
    • Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good..."
  • Personal Testimony: The speaker wrestled with the message, but God kept saying, "Look at Samuel and Hannah's life."
  • Theme: "In His Time."
    • Sometimes we need to sit in silence and listen.
    • Like Hannah, we can keep petitioning God.
  • Impact of Hannah's Devotion:
    • If Samuel was born at any other time, he might not have fulfilled his purpose.
    • Hannah dedicated him to the Lord.
    • She only saw him once a year.
    • Her persistence was rewarded.
    • Samuel went on to lead Israel and anoint kings.
  • 1 Samuel 4:1: Samuel's words went out to all Israel.
  • Samuel's Role:
    • Encouragement to Israel.
    • Advisor to King Saul.
    • Anointed God's chosen king, David.
  • Focus: Not on Samuel's works, but on the precedent set by Hannah's persistence and devotion.
  • Challenge:
    • Don't put your worth in the hands of people or validation.
    • Like Esther, we are placed in certain situations at certain times.
    • If God calls and anoints us, He appoints a time and place.
    • Like Ezekiel and Isaiah, we must be willing to say, "Here I am, send me."
  • Reflection: Are we letting circumstances bring us down, or are we listening to God?

Dedication and Trust

  • Generations: Generations must follow this principle.
  • Hannah's Example:
    • She struggled for a child.
    • She dedicated him to God.
    • It's hard to let your child go.
  • God's Timing:
    • Samuel was born at the right time.
    • God has an opportunity to choose anyone at any time.
    • God chooses us.
    • "In His time, He makes all things beautiful."
  • Advice:
    • Be thankful for where you are today.
    • Don't grumble.
    • God has a plan for your life.
    • God opens impossible doors.
  • Worship: Dedicate our lives to the Lord.
  • Remember: If you are in God's will, He sees where you are.
  • Don't Chase Fame or Money: Walk in God's will.
  • Trials: Your trial will become your greatest testimony if you allow God to be God.
  • God's Promise: God's eyes are upon His people. He will never leave nor forsake us.
  • Hannah's Faith: She brought a cloak for Samuel every year.
  • God's Timing: God spoke to Samuel when the word of the Lord was not coming.
  • Call to Action:
    • Be your own Hannah: Dedicate yourself to God.
    • Parents, dedicate your children to the Lord.
    • Raise children in the fear of the Lord.
    • God's will is more important than worldly success.
  • Samuel's Background: He came from a seemingly hopeless background.
  • God's Power: God can use each one of us.
  • Surrender: Surrender to God and trust His timing.
  • Prayer:
    • Help those going through hard times.
    • If it is a prophetic word, let them speak it.
    • If it is a waiting period, let them wait.
    • Let them find strength in God.
  • Promise: "If God is for me, who can be against me?"
  • Benediction: Grace, love, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
  • Announcement: Youth department sale.