Through The Bible in a Year - March 18, 2026

“Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.” – 1 Samuel 1:28

Hannah got her son. Then she gave him up—permanently.

Which is harder? To never have a child, or to have a child and then give him up?

There is great pain either way, but Hannah finds peace in verse 28: “I have LENT him to the LORD.” Even as she gives herchild to the Lord’s service, she indicates that she hasn’t eternally, fully, or actually lost him. He has been LENT to the Lord’s service, even though he will serve the Lord apart from her the rest of her earthly life.

For those who have lost children, this is profound truth. The child you’ve lost is not eternally lost. When Christ comes, so will come those who have slept in Him. You will see them again.

But there’s more. Hannah’s song in chapter 2 reveals why she can give up her son with peace: “The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his King and exalt the power of his Anointed” (2:10).

“Anointed” is the Old Testament word for Christ, the Messiah.

“Yes, I give God my son,” Hannah says, “but He will give me His Son.”

She turns earthly things over to God, knowing He is working for eternal things of surpassing beauty and blessing – that were beyond her full comprehending, as they often are for us. Peace lies not in knowing God’s outcomes, but in trusting his heart for eternally good purposes.

Hannah is not the only one meant to claim peace from trusting God’s eternally good plans. I can think of dear ones in ourchurch—families who prayed for an earthly child only to haveGod ultimately take that child overseas, or to other bodies of faith, or to different places of work, or to heaven – all being used to bear witness to his eternal goodness and grace. Through such children ministry reaches thousands. Lives nurtured here touch nations. Children of godly parents have become kingdom leaders.

We’re not just mothering and fathering our own children. The whole church—the bride of Christ—is nurturing workers and witnesses for God’s eternal kingdom.

Respond: How is God calling you to “mother or father for eternity”—whether your biological children, adopted children, foster children, or children you mentor and disciple? Never forget the eternal purpose God is working through your earthly prayers?

Prayer: Father, we who are mature in your church are mothering or fathering for eternity—whether my own children or the children You’ve placed in my influence. My earthly prayers are being used for eternal purposes. Help me trust that even when I face pain, loss, or struggle, You’re working beyond what I can see. In Jesus’ name, amen.