There was no question that Hannah was loved very deeply by her husband, but there was something missing. She was childless. Her desire became such a deep longing within her that she promised God she would give the child to Him if He would allow her the privilege of giving birth to a son. God heard and honored her request, and Hannah soon conceived and delivered a bouncing baby boy she named Samuel.

Following a restless night, I finally gave up on getting any sleep and dragged myself out of bed for my morning coffee. I knew a cup of coffee wouldn't be enough to get me going, so I selected a chocolate chip granola bar for a little extra "kick." The sun was just beginning to stream in through the windows as I made my way from the kitchen to my comfy spot on the couch, so that made me feel a little better. At least it wasn't still dark outside.

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3