week of 5/15

Unit 9  Session 4

FOLLOWING GOD'S TIMING

1 SAMUEL 1-3

God's people are to recognize and rejoice in His provisions while being quick to use what has been given for His purposes.

As the days of the judges were coming to a close, the people of Israel were mired in national tragedy as the downward spiral of the nation reached rock bottom. In those days, there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). But there was still reason for hope because God is faithful, so there always remains faithful people. For example, an ordinary man and his family were faithful to worship and sacrifice to the one and true living God (1 Samuel 1:3). The story that follows this man's wife Hannah shows once again that God never gives up on His mission of restoration.

Points to consider:

✞   The Lord's servant pleads for a son.

     * How does prayer help us deal with our struggles?

✞   The Lord's servant dedicates a long-awaited son.

     * How have you seen God's perfect timing on

      display in your life?

✞   The Lord's servant celebrates a divinely provided son.

     * What are some things we should be able to do

        because of who God is? 

     * What are some ways God's providence in your life

       has prompted you to worship Him?