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A Renewed Hope

1 Samuel 4:16  He told Eli, "I have just come from the battle line; I fled from it this very day." Eli asked, "What happened, my son?"

I am surprised this is the verse for today.  I've learned a bit about Eli and the judges of Israel with this one.  Eli's death, following the description from the Benjamite, became my focus today.  Eli's death, according to my study Bible, marked the end of the dark period of the judges.  This little tidbit made me smile because it helped me to understand why God gave me this verse today.  The year 2013 was a bit dark for my family.  We didn't have any of the great news we were hoping to get in regards to Mom, among other things.  As I look back on 2013, I recognize the way that God has used this "dark" year to bring me closer to Him.  I have felt a deep yearning to walk even more closely with Him and to spend time in His presence by making time to be still with Him each day.  This passage was also a word of hope for me today.  I realize that Samuel is called by God early on and has to wait for God's timing.  Samuel does wait for God's timing and God is faithful.  I know what God has told me and, today, I have renewed hope in His timing.

What a way to begin the new year!  The death of a dark period and a renewed hope.  What has God told you and are you ready for Him to move?

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