Mark Seekins 1 Samuel 1:1-28
1. Are you a good “waiter”? Are you still waiting for something to change or a New Year’s resolution to take hold? How well do you handle it when “hope” is accompanied by “waiting”?
2. Hannah’s response includes 3 important elements, she remains faithful (continuing to worship), she responds in faith (making a commitment), and she exercises her faith (finding peace and rest in God). Which of these is the most difficult for you? Are you commitment averse, or impatient? Maybe instead, do you take things into your own hands or curse God when hope is deferred?
3. Have you ever had one of those moments where it seemed “all is lost”? Share an example. What was your response or action in that moment? Did you yield completely to God or respond in some other way? Did you even know how to respond?
4. God’s response to Hannah includes three things as well, he listens (He’s been listening for a while), He remembers (literally He acts), and He blesses (all is part of God’s plan for salvation). Which of these is most meaningful to you? Have you felt this kind of response from God in your circumstances?
5. When your hope is fulfilled, what is your treasure? Is it the fulfillment of hope or is it in the ONE who fulfilled that hope? Could your current “deferred hope” be for a greater purpose? This week, commit that hope to God. What would that look like?
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