Reversals
Let's talk about faith.
Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. "There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and on them he has set the world. "He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed." - 1 Samuel 2:1:10
In today's reading, Hannah is thankful to God for granting her a son. You could argue that it was her faith that was rewarded, and that she truly believed that.
She extols God's goodness, saying it is God who is in control of everything in our lives, and so it is He who decides to grant or to take away.
Do we believe that today? Or are we more apt to believe things just happen and God isn't involved?
It is normal to thank God when things go well for us, and we may even curse God when they go awry, but does that mean we believe He is calling all the shots.
Hannah talks of reversals. The poor are made rich, the low raised up, the barren made fruitful. And just as equally, the rich are made poor, the mighty made low, and the fruitful losing all.
We believe in reversals, but we aren't always eager to view God as the judge who interrupts our lives to make changes, are we?
I guess it all has to do with faith. If we have faith, amazing things can happen, reversals are possible, and that is what is important.
Yes, the good may turn bad, but if we keep the faith, it can turn good again. That's the real challenge, believing after a loss. But we must hang in there, because God is eager t help us through it.
No matter how bad it gets, it can and will be made better, with a little faith.
More to come...