Friday, April 1, 2011

My Hannah Story

It’s a new season in the Robinson household. Our time in western PA has come to an end. We’re packing up the family and moving to Texas, Beaumont, that is.  Congrats to James on his promotion to Exec at FCI Beaumont!!!

With everything that’s going on with Latrobe, I asked God, are you serious? His response, do you trust me? My response, show me a sign for the house you’ve selected for our new home. His response, read up on Hannah (1 Samuel 1; 2).

Turns out that Hannah is an example of how God uses desperation to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Hannah did not have children, but she made a vow to God that if He gave her a son, she would sacrifice her son for His use and service. Not only did He give her Samuel, but He blessed her to have other children.

When the student is ready, real learning begins. Hannah means favor and grace. The sub-division He guided us to is Gracelake Estates. Our new house will be on Hannah Lane!

I have been so concerned about what happens with Latrobe when we move. He asked me again, do you trust me? Latrobe’s success has nothing to do with me. He’s using my desperation to truly know my purposed work on Earth to show me how He blesses those who trust him and wait on His time table. My vow: to sacrifice Latrobe for His complete use and service.

God have me the vision for Latrobe. He told me that we would bring souls to the kingdom and bring food to the table with jobs created through Latrobe. Like Hannah, He’s testing me to strengthen and prepare me to have love, patience, faith, and self-control. His word to me, according to Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord, with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.

This is not the first time that Beaumont was a destination on the Robinson journey of life. When we were first married, James applied for a position there. However, God ordered our steps and sent us to North Augusta first. Jeremiah 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. In North Augusta, I worked for the company that positioned us to move to PA, and provided all the tests and retest to know my heart (Deuteronomy 8:2).  He’s closing doors in PA and opening new doors and opportunities in Beaumont.

God sent me to the story of Hannah to give me a living example of what happens when you continue to pray. He constantly reassures me that He has His hands on me. He said in His word, according to Hebrews 11:6, without faith it is impossible to please him. My response:

Richard Smallwood's Trust Me!