Every person born into this world has a story. Let’s go back to Hannah in 1st Samuel of the Old Testament. Apparently, she struck a deal with God and he healed her from childlessness. It wasn’t only God who was aware of Israel’s spiritual failures, so was Hannah.

In her plea, she promised to raise the child through infancy and present him to the Temple for whatever work God had in mind. Scripture says that God loves the whole Human race so to pray to be blessed when others aren’t, is a challenge.

What are we to make of this story? I believe we must start at the end of Hannah’s plea. Hannah was blessed because of her heart and her dedication to give the child for Church-work. Also through this miracle, Israel might repent too. Samuel’s first task was to tell Eli that he must call his sons to repentance. Eli never told them so we see what God had in store for him. His lineage would become desolate and given to another.

God’s words came true; Hophni and Phinehas were killed and Eli fell off a stone fence, breaking his neck. Samuel grew in wisdom and became a faithful servant of God. He ruled as priest and Judge, living over ninety years. His accomplishments were; choosing Saul to govern Israel and selecting David to rein after Saul; and chastising David and Bathsheba.

Many years later, Samuel found himself in the same position as Eli; unable to tame his “sinning sons.” As much as parents may want to, we cannot force choices on our children. They will make their own way in life. The only control we may have is to hear the Holy Words given to us, then carry those words to the next generation.

Our faith is our proof that God created the Messiah to give us a chance of redemption. Redeeming ourselves speaks to the question “what have we personally done about being forgiven?” That is the most important decision that must be conquered on this side of death.

So I have to ask, have we committed ourselves to be saved? God doesn’t want anyone to miss out on Eternal living. If human life ended tomorrow, do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah? There is no more important choice than making a decision for Him.