GIVING A LOAN TO GOD

Title: GIVING A LOAN TO GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 1:24-28
Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 2:20-21, Luke 6:38, Malachi 3:10

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Hannah is a powerful testament to the blessings of sacrificial giving. After enduring years of barrenness and deep anguish, Hannah prayed fervently for a child, vowing to give him back to the Lord. When God granted her request, she fulfilled her promise by dedicating Samuel to God’s service. This act of giving a loan to God not only resulted in her receiving great blessings but also set the stage for significant spiritual impact in Israel. This message explores the profound implications of giving to God and how it opens the door to His abundant blessings.

1. THE VOW OF A SACRIFICIAL GIVER

a) The Heart Behind the Gift
Hannah’s vow was rooted in desperation and faith (1 Samuel 1:11). She didn’t just want a child; she wanted to give back to God.

b) The Nature of Sacrifice
Giving to God often requires sacrifice. Hannah’s promise to give Samuel away reflected her willingness to surrender what she longed for deeply.

c) Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty
By giving Samuel back, Hannah acknowledged that all blessings come from God and He has the right to use them as He wills.

d) Commitment to Fulfillment
Hannah’s commitment to fulfill her vow, even after receiving her miracle, demonstrates the integrity of her faith.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow’s Mite
Just as the widow in Mark 12:41-44 gave all she had, Hannah’s offering of Samuel was an act of profound faith and commitment.

2. THE BLESSINGS OF LOANING TO GOD

a) God’s Faithfulness in Rewarding Sacrifice
Hannah’s act of giving Samuel back resulted in God blessing her with more children (1 Samuel 2:20-21).

b) Opening Doors of Abundance
When we loan to God, we open the doors to divine abundance in our lives. Malachi 3:10 encourages us to bring our tithes and offerings, promising blessings in return.

c) God Uses Our Gifts for His Glory
Samuel became a mighty prophet and judge in Israel, highlighting how our gifts to God can have lasting impacts beyond our understanding.

d) Establishing a Legacy of Faith
Hannah’s decision to give Samuel to God established a legacy of faith and dedication that influenced future generations.

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul’s Ministry
Paul dedicated his life to God’s work, resulting in the growth of the early church and countless lives transformed (Acts 20:24).

3. THE POWER OF Surrendering What We Hold Dear

a) Understanding True Ownership
Everything we have ultimately belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Surrendering our possessions acknowledges His ownership.

b) Letting Go of Control
Surrendering our blessings to God involves letting go of our control and trusting Him with our lives and futures.

c) Releasing Our Fears
We often fear that giving away what we treasure will lead to loss. Trusting God alleviates these fears, as He is faithful to provide.

d) Embracing God’s Plans
Surrendering our desires allows us to embrace God’s greater plans, which may exceed our expectations.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham and Isaac
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated total surrender, and God provided a ram in his place (Genesis 22:1-14).

4. LOANING TO GOD THROUGH OUR SERVICE

a) Serving God with Our Talents
Giving our time and talents back to God is a form of loaning to Him. He blesses our efforts and multiplies their impact.

b) Engaging in the Mission
Actively participating in God’s mission reflects our commitment to lend our lives for His purposes (Matthew 28:19-20).

c) Impacting Lives Through Generosity
Our service can touch lives and transform communities, showing the heart of God through our actions.

d) Living as a Blessing to Others
As we loan our resources to God, we become conduits of His blessings, meeting the needs of others (2 Corinthians 9:7).

e) Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan’s actions demonstrated how lending ourselves to serve others reflects God’s love and compassion (Luke 10:25-37).

5. CONSEQUENCES OF LOANING TO GOD

a) Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Sacrificial giving leads to spiritual growth as we learn to trust God more deeply.

b) Increased Faith and Confidence
Each act of giving reinforces our faith in God’s provision and His ability to meet our needs.

c) A Life Marked by Gratitude
Loaning to God cultivates a heart of gratitude, reminding us of His constant goodness and faithfulness.

d) Lasting Impact on Others
Our willingness to give can inspire others to trust God and serve Him wholeheartedly.

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church’s Generosity
The early Christians sold their possessions to meet the needs of others, resulting in a powerful testimony of love and community (Acts 2:44-47).

CONCLUSION:
Hannah’s story exemplifies the power and blessings of giving a loan to God. When we surrender our lives, resources, and desires to Him, we align ourselves with His purposes and unlock the door to His abundant blessings. Just as God blessed Hannah with more children, He will bless us as we faithfully give back to Him. Let us take inspiration from her story and be willing to give our best to God, trusting that He will multiply our offerings for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to give sacrificially and faithfully as Hannah did.

2. Father, I surrender my desires and possessions to You; teach me to trust You completely.

3. May I see the value of loaning my time and talents for Your service.

4. Lord, remind me that everything I have belongs to You.

5. Help me to overcome fears of loss and embrace the abundance You offer.

6. Lord, I pray for a heart of gratitude as I reflect on Your goodness in my life.

7. May my offerings serve as a blessing to others and bring glory to Your name.

8. Lord, increase my faith as I trust You with my resources.

9. Help me to understand and embrace Your greater plans for my life.

10. May I leave a legacy of faith and dedication, just as Hannah did with Samuel.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare abundant blessings over every seed you sow into God’s work.

2. Your acts of faith and sacrifice will not go unnoticed; God will reward you.

3. As you give to God, may you experience His supernatural provision in your life.

4. You shall witness the fruits of your labour in due season, for God is faithful.

5. Every chain of fear and doubt is broken as you step into a life of generosity.

6. Your legacy of faith will inspire others to follow God wholeheartedly.

7. May God multiply your resources and bless your efforts to serve Him.

8. You shall see your prayers answered as you commit to giving back to God.

9. As you loan to God, may your life overflow with joy and peace.

10. Enter this new season with the assurance that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.