Prayer: We pray for those who face infertility issues this day, Lord. Be with them and help them know you are there. Amen.
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: For me, this story was kind of like Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.” You may remember that radio feature. I used to listen to it on my way into work. I wasn’t quite ready for the end of this story when it was revealed this was about Samuel’s mother! As I was reading this story, I thought of the many couples who deal with infertility issues. I have known several. It is heartbreaking. The ones I know would make great parents and would raise good and godly children. I could easily say, “Well, it must be part of God’s plan,” to try to help the hurt. But, I’m sure that hurt runs even deeper than any words that I could speak to try to help. I hadn’t remembered this story about Samuel’s mother. But, if I were in the shoes of those struggling with these issues, this story may give me hope. It may have taken awhile, but Hannah bore Samuel. And, look at what Samuel did! This story, like so many can offer hope from God to those who feel hopeless. We love and serve a hopeful and hope-filled God! --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director
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