“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat…”
Mother Teresa
Years ago I went through a season when I felt forgotten by God. I had physical pain from a herniated disc, as well as spiritual and emotional distress from not having a clear purpose in life. I floundered as I tried to see through my confusion and depression, and felt God had placed me high up on a shelf, only to be forgotten. I now know that was a lie from the enemy to discourage and to distance me from God. Hannah struggled with similar feelings as a result of her barrenness.
In I Samuel 1:11, Hannah cried out to God, “…if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son…” God answered her prayer in verse nineteen. “Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.” I can imagine how encouraged and comforted Hannah must have been.
I experienced similar emotions last Christmas when my daughter gave me a bookmark made by a friend from ministry school. On it was a prophetic word that God heard my prayers and will answer them. Tears instantly came to my eyes. Knowing that God had not forgotten, but remembered my prayers for loved ones, gave me an anchor of hope.
It was at one of my lowest moments, when I felt overlooked, that God showed me He remembered me. I was picking up mentoring material at Body Life Ministries, when the founder, Rick Waymire, gave me a tour of his facility. As he showed me the various ministries he supplied printed and audio material to, I asked him how I could become one of them. Rick then prophesied and I wept. That began what eventually became Restoring Hearts Ministry.
Even though I felt forsaken, God had never left me. Even though I felt abandoned and neglected, high up on a shelf, God remembered me. And even though I felt useless, God was working quietly within me, to form His character, for what He had up His sleeve next.
When you struggle, remember: God has not forgotten you. He hears, remembers, and will answer your prayers.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 11:5b
Relevant Reflection:
In what area of your life are you like Hannah, desperately crying out to God to answer your prayer? Rest in the fact that God remembers you. Thank Him ahead for His answers to prayer.