Our Longing, His Terms
Judges 13:6-7
Then the woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me. He looked like the awe-inspiring Angel of God. I didn’t ask Him where He came from, and He didn’t tell me His name. He said to me, ‘You will conceive and give birth to a son. Therefore, do not drink wine or other alcoholic beverages, and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazarite to God from birth until the day of his death.'”
This time the wife was given the promise instead of the husband, as we saw with Abraham and Sarah. God saw Manoah’s wife as significant enough to speak directly to her and give her specific instructions to carry out His plan. While we don’t know her name, we do know her mission. This barren woman was to birth and nurture a deliverer from the power of the Philistines. What hope and sense of importance she must have felt when given such a promise!
Why would God choose Manoah’s wife? I’m sure He had His own reasons, but I can only speculate that her desire for a son would have caused her to feel extremely grateful and willing to do exactly as God commanded. With no other children at home, she could focus upon this one child of promise without distraction. God could work with her longing and desire to nurture His provision.
Can God work with your longing? Are you expecting God to fulfill your desire on your own terms, or are you willing to do whatever He asks in order to gain the prize? Insisting upon having things our way may only delay or even deny our request. We must be willing to do things God’s way in order to see certain dreams fulfilled. When we are willing to surrender and work with Him, He will work wonders for us and in us. His plan, His provision, His terms make us whole and satisfied.
Have a blessed day!