I begged for this little boy… I also hand him over to the Lord › 1 Sam 1, 27-28. 

 How easily can we be drawn away from following the Lord by difficult or unexpected circumstances? A harsh word makes us feel sorry for ourselves; an unfavorable situation makes us fear for someone we love. Anna’s example can teach us to focus on God’s presence and faithfulness even in life’s difficulties. Anna had been preparing for two or three years for the moment when she would sacrifice her son Samuel to the Lord. The day finally came when she weaned him and could fulfill the promise she made to God. With grateful acknowledgment of God’s goodness to her, she brought her son to where she had first prayed for him and left him with the priest Eli. From then on, Samuel belonged to the Lord.

Eli’s task was to raise the boy to serve God and all the people of Israel. Isn’t it strange that Anna entrusted her son to the same person who, three years ago, accused her of being drunk when she was pouring out her heart in prayer? Shouldn’t she have reprimanded Eli for his false accusation? Anna did not let the past drag her down; instead, she focused on fulfilling her promise to God. And God showed her faithfulness. While Samuel grew and became influential in God’s Spirit, Anna gave birth to five more children.

Christmas is less than three days away, and you may need to focus more on many imperfect things and challenging situations. While praying, think about them for a while, but focus mainly on the Lord. He comes as a newborn baby who will one day sacrifice his life for you so that you can live with him forever. Focus on the one who is present in the manager and your heart. And then, when you are overcoming any temptation or unpleasant situation, remember Anna. Keep your eyes on the Lord and perceive his goodness towards you. Believe that this goodness will radiate from you if you strive for it.