Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to orient our hearts toward God, to worship, and to celebrate the gift of life through a special baby dedication. Children are not just the future—they are a vital part of our community today, and we are called to honor, nurture, and guide them together. We reflected on the biblical foundation for dedicating children, recognizing that while parents have a sacred responsibility to raise their children in the ways of God, the entire community is also called to be role models and supporters in this journey.

Turning to 1 Samuel 1, we explored the story of Hannah, a woman whose deep desire for a child was met with years of disappointment, shame, and provocation. Yet, her longing was not merely a personal wish—it was a desire rooted in God’s covenant and aligned with His heart. Hannah’s story teaches us that divine desires are grounded in God’s promises and character, not just in our own wants. She did not approach God with a self-centered agenda, but with a heart surrendered to His will, trusting that her longing for a child was in harmony with God’s purpose.

We considered the nature of divine desire: it is not only grounded in God, but it also endures and perseveres through trials. Hannah’s journey was marked by suffering, misunderstanding, and false accusations, yet she pressed on—fasting, praying, and doing what she could, even when the outcome was uncertain. Her endurance and perseverance were not signs of being outside God’s will, but rather the very means by which God shaped her testimony and brought about lasting fruit.

Furthermore, we examined the motives behind our desires. Divine desires do not simply originate from God; they also point back to Him. When God fulfills our longings, the response should be gratitude and a life oriented toward His glory, not just personal satisfaction. Hannah’s fulfillment led her to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord, and her heart overflowed in praise, making her story a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Finally, we were challenged to examine our own desires: Are they truly grounded in God’s word? Are we persevering through the struggle, trusting that God is at work even when we don’t understand? And when God answers, do we point the glory back to Him? Whether we are in the midst of longing, enduring a trial, or celebrating a breakthrough, God invites us to align our hearts with His, to persevere, and to let our lives become testimonies of His goodness.

Key Takeaways

- Divine desires are grounded in God’s character and promises, not just in our personal wants. Before we ask God for something, we must examine whether our desires truly align with His heart and His word. We cannot invoke God’s name or authority over desires that contradict His nature, no matter how fervently we pray. [53:57]

- Endurance and perseverance are essential on the journey toward the fulfillment of divine desires. God often allows us to walk through trials, not as punishment, but as a means of producing steadfastness and spiritual maturity within us. The struggle is not a sign of God’s absence, but an opportunity for growth and a deeper testimony. [01:05:02]

- Our motives matter deeply; even when our desires are good, if they ultimately point back to ourselves, we miss the heart of God. True obedience brings blessing, but the purpose of blessing is to produce thanksgiving and glory to God, not to serve our own interests. We must continually reorient our hearts so that our desires and their fulfillment point others to God. [01:17:41]

- Perseverance means doing what we can, however small, while trusting God with the outcome. Hannah did not passively wait for her situation to change; she prayed, fasted, and acted in faith, even when options were limited. We are called to participate actively in God’s purposes, refusing to give up before the breakthrough comes. [01:09:42]

- The fulfillment of divine desire is not the end, but the beginning of a testimony meant to encourage and strengthen others. After receiving what she longed for, Hannah dedicated Samuel to God and continued to worship and glorify Him. Our stories of struggle and breakthrough are meant to be shared, pointing others to the faithfulness and goodness of God. [01:23:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:38] - Opening Worship and Prayer
[05:08] - Orienting Our Hearts to God
[10:06] - Inviting God’s Presence
[24:15] - Community Greetings and Announcements
[30:55] - Baby Dedication: The Anakalea Family
[32:45] - The Biblical Foundation for Dedication
[35:22] - Parental and Community Commitments
[36:14] - Prayers and Blessings for Children
[39:05] - Children: Not Just the Future, But Today
[39:55] - Celebrating Baptisms and Community Life
[40:42] - Introduction to 1 Samuel and Divine Desire
[45:28] - Hannah’s Longing and the Weight of Desire
[53:57] - The Meaning of Asking in God’s Name
[58:04] - Endurance and Perseverance in God’s Plan
[01:14:05] - Motives: Where Do Our Desires Point?
[01:23:28] - Fulfillment, Testimony, and Next Steps
[01:29:11] - Invitation to Surrender and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Divine Desires, Endurance, and Testimony

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### Bible Reading

1 Samuel 1:1–20 (ESV)
> There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah... He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children... [Read through verse 20, which ends with Hannah naming her son Samuel, saying, "I have asked for him from the Lord."]

James 1:2–4 (ESV)
> Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

John 14:13–14 (ESV)
> Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

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### Observation Questions

1. In 1 Samuel 1, what were the main sources of Hannah’s pain and longing, and how did she respond to them? ([42:58])
2. According to James 1:2–4, what is the purpose of trials and testing in the life of a believer?
3. In John 14:13–14, what does Jesus say about asking in His name, and what is the intended result?
4. During the sermon, what did the pastor say about the difference between asking for something in God’s name and simply saying His name over our desires? ([53:57])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it important that our desires are grounded in God’s character and promises, rather than just our own wants? How did Hannah’s story illustrate this principle? ([49:07])
2. The sermon mentioned that endurance and perseverance are not signs of being outside God’s will, but are often the means by which God shapes us. How does this challenge common assumptions about suffering and struggle in the Christian life? ([01:05:02])
3. What does it mean for our motives to “point back to God” when we receive what we’ve longed for? How did Hannah demonstrate this after Samuel was born? ([01:21:01])
4. The pastor shared that perseverance means doing what we can, however small, while trusting God with the outcome. What are some practical ways this can look in our lives? ([01:09:42])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to examine our desires: Are they truly grounded in God’s word, or are they mostly about our own wants? Is there a desire in your life right now that you need to honestly evaluate in light of God’s character and promises? ([49:07])
2. Hannah endured years of disappointment, shame, and misunderstanding, yet she kept praying and trusting God. Is there an area in your life where you are tempted to give up because the struggle has been long? What would perseverance look like for you in that situation? ([01:05:02])
3. When God answers your prayers or fulfills a longing, do you tend to point the glory back to Him, or do you move on quickly to the next thing? What is one way you can intentionally give God credit for a recent answer to prayer? ([01:21:01])
4. The pastor said, “Perseverance means doing what we can, however small, while trusting God with the outcome.” Is there a step of faith—big or small—that you sense God is asking you to take right now? What’s holding you back? ([01:09:42])
5. Hannah’s story became a testimony that encouraged others. Is there a struggle or breakthrough in your life that you could share with someone else to encourage them? Who might need to hear your story? ([01:23:28])
6. The sermon emphasized that children are not just the future, but a vital part of our community today. How can you personally invest in, support, or encourage the children or families in our church? ([32:45])
7. The pastor mentioned that sometimes our motives—even for good things—can be self-centered. How can you check your motives this week, especially in your prayers or acts of service? ([01:14:05])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are aligned with God’s desires, for endurance in the midst of trials, and for lives that point others to God’s faithfulness. Consider praying specifically for any group members who are in a season of longing or struggle.

Devotional

Day 1: Children Are a Heritage and Responsibility from the Lord
Children are a precious gift from God, entrusted to families and communities not only as a blessing but also as a sacred responsibility. We are called to honor God by dedicating our children to Him, committing to raise them in His ways, and supporting one another as a church family in this holy task. This means valuing children not just for their future potential, but for who they are today, and intentionally investing in their spiritual growth and well-being. [32:45]

Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV)
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Reflection: Who is one child—your own or in your community—that you can intentionally encourage or pray for today, showing them they are valued right now?


Day 2: Divine Desires Are Grounded in God
True, lasting desires are those that are rooted in God’s heart and promises, not merely in our own wishes or ambitions. When we align our desires with God’s Word and character, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that what we seek is in harmony with His will. This requires honest self-examination: are our desires truly springing from God’s purposes, or are we simply seeking His approval for our own plans? [56:48]

1 Samuel 1:10-11 (ESV)
She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

Reflection: What is one desire on your heart right now, and how can you honestly assess whether it is truly grounded in God’s Word and character?


Day 3: Divine Desires Endure and Persevere
God often allows us to walk through seasons of struggle and waiting, even when our desires are aligned with His will. These times of testing are not signs of God’s absence or disfavor, but opportunities for our faith to grow in endurance and perseverance. Like Hannah, we are called to press on, do what we can, and trust God with what we cannot control, knowing that the struggle itself can produce lasting fruit and a testimony of God’s faithfulness. [01:08:42]

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Reflection: Where are you tempted to give up in the face of struggle, and what is one small step you can take today to persevere in faith?


Day 4: Divine Desires Point to God, Not Ourselves
Even when our desires are fulfilled, the ultimate purpose is not our own satisfaction, but that God would be glorified. When we receive blessings, we are called to point others to the Giver, not just enjoy the gift. Our motives matter: obedience brings blessing, but our hearts must remain oriented toward God, using every answered prayer and fulfilled desire as an opportunity to give Him thanks and share His goodness with others. [01:21:01]

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV)
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Reflection: Think of a blessing or answered prayer in your life—how can you use it today to point someone’s attention to God rather than yourself?


Day 5: Your Test Becomes a Testimony
The struggles and desires you walk through are not just for you—they are meant to become a testimony that encourages and strengthens others. God uses your journey, including the waiting, the pain, and the breakthrough, to speak faith into the lives of those around you. Don’t keep your story to yourself; share what God has done, so that your life becomes a living witness to His faithfulness and love. [01:25:42]

Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

Reflection: Who is one person you can share your story with this week, so that your testimony of God’s faithfulness can encourage them in their own journey?

Quotes

We don't know the reason always for the struggle, but we do know that the struggle is always an opportunity for fruit. Pastor Wayne said this a while back. He said, you don't have a choice whether you're going to suffer. The only choice is whether you're going to grow. But we know that there's no testimony without the test. And you might say that the test is temporary, but the testimony is eternal. [01:05:23] (27 seconds)  #TestimonyRequiresEndurance Edit Clip

Can I tell you something today? The fact that you're struggling does not mean you're outside of the will of God. The fact that you're struggling does not mean you're walking outside of his favor. The fact that you're in a battle right now in your life, whatever that battle is, I don't know what the desire is in your heart, what this thing is that you're facing. But the fact that you're in the middle of the battle right now, it doesn't mean that God's not on your side. [01:12:52] (24 seconds)  #StruggleDoesNotMeanGodsAbsence Edit Clip

If your desires are grounded in God, if you're aligned with his word, then here's the simple truth is you're going to have struggles. You're going to have battles in your life. But divine desire is fulfilled in our lives through endurance and perseverance. [01:13:47] (18 seconds)  #EnduranceFulfillsDivineDesires Edit Clip

Here's the thing that we find in God's word is that obedience brings blessing. A friend of mine said it this way a while back, when we do right things, God blesses the right things that we do. Some people have said God helps those who help themselves. I disagree with that statement. Our God helps those who cannot help themselves. But when I do right things, God blesses the right things that I do. [01:15:34] (25 seconds)  #ObedienceBringsGodsBlessing Edit Clip

We see in 1 Samuel that the fulfillment of Hannah's prayer blessed her. Having a son distinctly blessed her as a woman, and yet her desire was focused on God. Verse 11, she says, God, give me a son and I will give him to the Lord. My desire is this, God, but my heart, my desires are pointed toward you, God. [01:20:48] (27 seconds)  #HannahsDesireFocusedOnGod Edit Clip

There's a purpose in your life that he has beyond just pouring blessing on you there's a testimony he wants shared through your life there's somebody that he wants to encourage through you there's strength he wants to give to somebody else through the story of what he's done in your life your test has given you a testimony the question is are you sharing the testimony that you've been given [01:27:41] (24 seconds)  #PurposeBeyondBlessingThroughTestimony Edit Clip