Waiting For God
Stories
Contents
What's Up This Week
Good Stories: "Waiting For God" by Terry Cain
"Here I Come, Ready Or Not" by Terry Cain
"An Answer To Prayer" by James E. Sargent
What's Up This Week
Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, "I am he! and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place ... this is but the beginning of the birth pangs." With all of the terrorism and natural disasters and wars in recent times, it is easier to feel that the "end times" may be upon us. Yet we try to live our lives to the fullest seeking always to do God's will and spread the good news to other, prioritizing and getting our "ducks in order."
Good Stories
Waiting For God
By Terry Cain
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 honour. 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
A Miktam of David. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
-- Psalm 16
The theme of these two passages seems to be that God does everything or we can depend on God to "take care of us." Several years ago various forms of a story popped up that spoke poignantly to this subject and included a touch of humor. Which form is original or what the ultimate source is remains unknown. I'm sure my version from memory is not accurate in the details but the ideas are noteworthy.
* * *
Mr. Smith was a devoted believer in God. He had trusted in God all of his adult life. Whenever there was a problem, Mr. Smith would go to God in prayer and expect results. It so happened one day that a warning went out through the small community where Mr. Smith lived that, because of the recent heavy rains in the area, the water had accumulated to a dangerous level behind the dam just a few miles above the village. People had gone through the village warning every resident to evacuate the town as the authorities expected the dam might not hold and the town could be flooded. Smith immediately went to god in prayer for help in the potential calamity. After prayers Smith went with confidence out on his front porch to sit and survey the situation.
Soon one of the village residents, and a friend of Smith's, came by with his truck and offered to help Smith get some of his belongings out of the house and to safety on higher ground. Smith assured him that he didn't need any help. His friend said that it looked very serious; the dam was expected to give way at any time. Smith told his friend that God would take care of him. His friend reminded Smith that his house was right in the path and would be directly hit by the flood. Still, Smith said God would take care of him. His friend drove off looking for others he might help.
The dam gave way and the waters started down the valley. Smith sat on his porch which was built very high off the ground as the waters rushed by. Shortly, another friend sped up in a motorboat and told Smith to get in before it was too late. Smith was unperturbed and told his friend that he had nothing to worry about because God was looking out for him. Unable to convince Smith that he should get in the boat, his friend drove off looking for others to help.
The water got deeper forcing Smith to get up on the roof of his home. Soon a helicopter flew overhead and saw Smith. The helicopter dropped down and hovered over the house as they lowered a ladder for Smith. They yelled down that the flood was expected to get deeper and he would not be safe. Smith, once again, assured his would-be rescuers that God would take care of him. After a few more unsuccessful attempts to persuade Smith, the helicopter flew off.
The water did indeed flow over the rooftop and Smith was swept away and died. He went to heaven and the first thing he did was look up God. "Where were you, God? I thought you said you would take care of me."
"I don't understand what went wrong," replied God, "I thought I sent a truck, a boat, and a helicopter."
Here I Come, Ready Or Not
By Terry Cain
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs."
-- Mark 13:1-8
Katy came home with a puzzled expression on her face. Her mom noticed her preoccupation with some deep thought and asked what was on her mind. "Oh, I was visiting with Gloria at school lunch today and she was talking all excitedly about what her pastor had told all the members of her church."
"What was that?" asked her mom.
"She goes to that church on Eighteenth Street where the members are always so anxious to get you to go there; where they say that are the true church and the other churches are wrong. Their pastor told them last Sunday that Jesus was coming back very, very soon and they must do everything to get ready. I asked her how he knew it was going to happen soon and she said he saw all the bad things that are happening today were predicted in the Bible. Earthquakes, floods, wars, and all that stuff. Everyone at that church is all excited. Mom what do you think?"
"Well, dear, for some reason that kind of makes me think of what happened last summer with Dorothy Ayr and her son-in-law. The family planned a surprise birthday party for Darren and arranged with Darren's boss at the store for him to get off that afternoon for the party. The trick was to get Darren to come home without knowing there was a party waiting for him. Dorothy, his mother-in-law, said she knew a way to get him to come home from work without suspecting a thing. The family should have inquired about what she had in mind because it almost ended in tragedy. When they were all ready for the party on his birthday afternoon, Dorothy went to the phone and called Darren at work telling him his wife had fallen down and hurt herself and could he come right home? Darren slammed down the phone, ran to his car, and drove home frantically. They will never know how many times he came close to having an accident himself. They do know that at the train crossing he rushed through in front of the oncoming train with not a lot of room to spare. Dorothy realized afterward how foolish she had been."
"But, mom, that doesn't really quite answer my questions. What if Gloria's pastor is right and Jesus does come back one of these days soon?"
"Well, Katy, that makes me think of another story."
"No, mom, not another one of your stories!"
"One day in the forest, Mr. Giraffe met Mrs. Elephant. Mr. Giraffe was all agitated and asked Mrs. Elephant if she had heard the good news. King Lion was coming to visit everyone in the community. Mr. Giraffe said he had so much to do to get ready for the royal visit. He wanted his place to be perfect and couldn't allow King Lion to see it in its present state. As he fretted and fumed Mrs. Elephant smiled in a bemused way. 'Aren't you anxious to have everything just right, Mrs. Elephant?' asked Mr. Giraffe. 'I already have everything in order,' said Mrs. Elephant, 'I would be comfortable to have King Lion pop in for a visit at anytime. I keep things organized, clean and neat all the time. It's not about anyone dropping in for an unexpected visit; it is about being at my best and having everything in order at all times.' "
"Mom, you're such a philosopher!"
"I like to think that I'm just practical, Katy."
Terry Cain is a retired United Methodist pastor who served his entire ministry in eastern Nebraska, including 25 years in Lincoln. He is the author of Shaking Wolves Out of Cherry Trees and Lions and Cows Dining Together. Cain is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (B.A.), St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City (M.Div.), and San Francisco Theological Seminary (D.Min.).
An Answer To Prayer
By James E. Sargent
On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year after year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: "O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head."
As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, "How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favour in your sight." Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the Lord."
-- 1 Samuel 1:4-20
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one day during the evening meal. Nervously she toyed with her dinner napkin. She hadn't dared tell anyone for fear that they would think her foolish. After all, she lives in the modern world, not the world populated by Old Testament characters. All of her friends knew that for years she had tried everything possible in order to be able to have children.
First there were the specialists who insisted on taking all sorts of tests, making all sorts of observations, and trying to figure out what the biological impediment was. Then there were the endless sessions with counselors trying to find out whether or not there were emotional blocks. Other counselors had indicated that perhaps her concerns about her husband were interfering with conception. The list of tests and the observations seemed to go on without end.
Almost unconsciously she kept going to church. Every week she would be in her regular place. Every week she sang the hymns, prayed the prayers and joined in the celebrations of the church. She also prayed silently that God would be able to work a miracle. Yes, she had a certain amount of trust in the miracles of science and medicine. She would hardly have been willing to discount the insights of psychologists. But if anyone had bothered to ask her what she really trusted she would have had to say that she really trusts in the power of God.
Among some of her friends this was a little too much. "Surely you don't think that prayer itself will make much difference, do you?" they would ask. "Surely you don't intend on trusting something you can't see or measure?" said others. In fact, she had overheard one acquaintance suggest that perhaps she was getting a little too involved in the church.
Nevertheless, she kept her doctor appointments and remained active in the church.
At length she and her husband received the great, long-anticipated news. Her pregnancy test revealed that she would indeed have a baby.
The name, what should the child's name be? Should they name the child after a favorite aunt? an uncle? perhaps a friend. No, the now-expectant mother knew what the child's name would be. It would have to come from the Bible, maybe the Old Testament. If it's a boy, then Samuel would be his name.
Years later, when the boy had gotten old enough to wonder, he asked one day, "Mom, why is my name Samuel?" her answer came softly, "Son, everyone else may say that you are the result of modern science and medicine. But your father and I are convinced that you are a gift from God. So we called you Samuel which means 'I have asked of the Lord,' You are an answer to prayer."
**********************************************
How to Share Stories
You have good stories to share, probably more than you know: personal stories as well as stories from others that you have used over the years. If you have a story you like, whether fictional or "really happened," authored by you or a brief excerpt from a favorite book, send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here share-a-story@csspub.com and email the story to us.
**************
StoryShare, November 19, 2006, issue.
Copyright 2006 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
What's Up This Week
Good Stories: "Waiting For God" by Terry Cain
"Here I Come, Ready Or Not" by Terry Cain
"An Answer To Prayer" by James E. Sargent
What's Up This Week
Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, "I am he! and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place ... this is but the beginning of the birth pangs." With all of the terrorism and natural disasters and wars in recent times, it is easier to feel that the "end times" may be upon us. Yet we try to live our lives to the fullest seeking always to do God's will and spread the good news to other, prioritizing and getting our "ducks in order."
Good Stories
Waiting For God
By Terry Cain
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 honour. 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
A Miktam of David. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
-- Psalm 16
The theme of these two passages seems to be that God does everything or we can depend on God to "take care of us." Several years ago various forms of a story popped up that spoke poignantly to this subject and included a touch of humor. Which form is original or what the ultimate source is remains unknown. I'm sure my version from memory is not accurate in the details but the ideas are noteworthy.
* * *
Mr. Smith was a devoted believer in God. He had trusted in God all of his adult life. Whenever there was a problem, Mr. Smith would go to God in prayer and expect results. It so happened one day that a warning went out through the small community where Mr. Smith lived that, because of the recent heavy rains in the area, the water had accumulated to a dangerous level behind the dam just a few miles above the village. People had gone through the village warning every resident to evacuate the town as the authorities expected the dam might not hold and the town could be flooded. Smith immediately went to god in prayer for help in the potential calamity. After prayers Smith went with confidence out on his front porch to sit and survey the situation.
Soon one of the village residents, and a friend of Smith's, came by with his truck and offered to help Smith get some of his belongings out of the house and to safety on higher ground. Smith assured him that he didn't need any help. His friend said that it looked very serious; the dam was expected to give way at any time. Smith told his friend that God would take care of him. His friend reminded Smith that his house was right in the path and would be directly hit by the flood. Still, Smith said God would take care of him. His friend drove off looking for others he might help.
The dam gave way and the waters started down the valley. Smith sat on his porch which was built very high off the ground as the waters rushed by. Shortly, another friend sped up in a motorboat and told Smith to get in before it was too late. Smith was unperturbed and told his friend that he had nothing to worry about because God was looking out for him. Unable to convince Smith that he should get in the boat, his friend drove off looking for others to help.
The water got deeper forcing Smith to get up on the roof of his home. Soon a helicopter flew overhead and saw Smith. The helicopter dropped down and hovered over the house as they lowered a ladder for Smith. They yelled down that the flood was expected to get deeper and he would not be safe. Smith, once again, assured his would-be rescuers that God would take care of him. After a few more unsuccessful attempts to persuade Smith, the helicopter flew off.
The water did indeed flow over the rooftop and Smith was swept away and died. He went to heaven and the first thing he did was look up God. "Where were you, God? I thought you said you would take care of me."
"I don't understand what went wrong," replied God, "I thought I sent a truck, a boat, and a helicopter."
Here I Come, Ready Or Not
By Terry Cain
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs."
-- Mark 13:1-8
Katy came home with a puzzled expression on her face. Her mom noticed her preoccupation with some deep thought and asked what was on her mind. "Oh, I was visiting with Gloria at school lunch today and she was talking all excitedly about what her pastor had told all the members of her church."
"What was that?" asked her mom.
"She goes to that church on Eighteenth Street where the members are always so anxious to get you to go there; where they say that are the true church and the other churches are wrong. Their pastor told them last Sunday that Jesus was coming back very, very soon and they must do everything to get ready. I asked her how he knew it was going to happen soon and she said he saw all the bad things that are happening today were predicted in the Bible. Earthquakes, floods, wars, and all that stuff. Everyone at that church is all excited. Mom what do you think?"
"Well, dear, for some reason that kind of makes me think of what happened last summer with Dorothy Ayr and her son-in-law. The family planned a surprise birthday party for Darren and arranged with Darren's boss at the store for him to get off that afternoon for the party. The trick was to get Darren to come home without knowing there was a party waiting for him. Dorothy, his mother-in-law, said she knew a way to get him to come home from work without suspecting a thing. The family should have inquired about what she had in mind because it almost ended in tragedy. When they were all ready for the party on his birthday afternoon, Dorothy went to the phone and called Darren at work telling him his wife had fallen down and hurt herself and could he come right home? Darren slammed down the phone, ran to his car, and drove home frantically. They will never know how many times he came close to having an accident himself. They do know that at the train crossing he rushed through in front of the oncoming train with not a lot of room to spare. Dorothy realized afterward how foolish she had been."
"But, mom, that doesn't really quite answer my questions. What if Gloria's pastor is right and Jesus does come back one of these days soon?"
"Well, Katy, that makes me think of another story."
"No, mom, not another one of your stories!"
"One day in the forest, Mr. Giraffe met Mrs. Elephant. Mr. Giraffe was all agitated and asked Mrs. Elephant if she had heard the good news. King Lion was coming to visit everyone in the community. Mr. Giraffe said he had so much to do to get ready for the royal visit. He wanted his place to be perfect and couldn't allow King Lion to see it in its present state. As he fretted and fumed Mrs. Elephant smiled in a bemused way. 'Aren't you anxious to have everything just right, Mrs. Elephant?' asked Mr. Giraffe. 'I already have everything in order,' said Mrs. Elephant, 'I would be comfortable to have King Lion pop in for a visit at anytime. I keep things organized, clean and neat all the time. It's not about anyone dropping in for an unexpected visit; it is about being at my best and having everything in order at all times.' "
"Mom, you're such a philosopher!"
"I like to think that I'm just practical, Katy."
Terry Cain is a retired United Methodist pastor who served his entire ministry in eastern Nebraska, including 25 years in Lincoln. He is the author of Shaking Wolves Out of Cherry Trees and Lions and Cows Dining Together. Cain is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (B.A.), St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City (M.Div.), and San Francisco Theological Seminary (D.Min.).
An Answer To Prayer
By James E. Sargent
On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year after year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"
After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: "O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head."
As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, "How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favour in your sight." Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, "I have asked him of the Lord."
-- 1 Samuel 1:4-20
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one day during the evening meal. Nervously she toyed with her dinner napkin. She hadn't dared tell anyone for fear that they would think her foolish. After all, she lives in the modern world, not the world populated by Old Testament characters. All of her friends knew that for years she had tried everything possible in order to be able to have children.
First there were the specialists who insisted on taking all sorts of tests, making all sorts of observations, and trying to figure out what the biological impediment was. Then there were the endless sessions with counselors trying to find out whether or not there were emotional blocks. Other counselors had indicated that perhaps her concerns about her husband were interfering with conception. The list of tests and the observations seemed to go on without end.
Almost unconsciously she kept going to church. Every week she would be in her regular place. Every week she sang the hymns, prayed the prayers and joined in the celebrations of the church. She also prayed silently that God would be able to work a miracle. Yes, she had a certain amount of trust in the miracles of science and medicine. She would hardly have been willing to discount the insights of psychologists. But if anyone had bothered to ask her what she really trusted she would have had to say that she really trusts in the power of God.
Among some of her friends this was a little too much. "Surely you don't think that prayer itself will make much difference, do you?" they would ask. "Surely you don't intend on trusting something you can't see or measure?" said others. In fact, she had overheard one acquaintance suggest that perhaps she was getting a little too involved in the church.
Nevertheless, she kept her doctor appointments and remained active in the church.
At length she and her husband received the great, long-anticipated news. Her pregnancy test revealed that she would indeed have a baby.
The name, what should the child's name be? Should they name the child after a favorite aunt? an uncle? perhaps a friend. No, the now-expectant mother knew what the child's name would be. It would have to come from the Bible, maybe the Old Testament. If it's a boy, then Samuel would be his name.
Years later, when the boy had gotten old enough to wonder, he asked one day, "Mom, why is my name Samuel?" her answer came softly, "Son, everyone else may say that you are the result of modern science and medicine. But your father and I are convinced that you are a gift from God. So we called you Samuel which means 'I have asked of the Lord,' You are an answer to prayer."
**********************************************
How to Share Stories
You have good stories to share, probably more than you know: personal stories as well as stories from others that you have used over the years. If you have a story you like, whether fictional or "really happened," authored by you or a brief excerpt from a favorite book, send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here share-a-story@csspub.com and email the story to us.
**************
StoryShare, November 19, 2006, issue.
Copyright 2006 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
