On April 20, 2024 an answered prayer and gift from God entered into this world. My son, Sammy, and his wife, Emily, welcomed a beautiful daughter, Eliana Shiloh Hoag. 🎉 Big sister, Eve, expressed delight that a baby sister has joined the family.
Eliana in Hebrew means “My God has answered me.” This precious little life reflects her name. Like her sister, Eve, Ellie (short of Eliana) encountered challenges early in the womb. We prayed for her safety and protection. We asked God to sustain her life and bring her to full term. God answered our prayers. With this name, Sammy and Emily each boldly declare: “My God has answered me.”
As I reflect on the significance of the name, Eliana, I notice that in order to declare, “God answers our pleas and requests,” I must acknowledge that God hears us. God attends to the cries of our heart.
Have you ever wondered if God hears your cries to Him? Has your faith ever faltered with insecurity about God’s involvement in your daily life? You’re not alone.
Although experiences of confusion, conflict, and uncertainty have assailed me in the past, God reminded me in the present with Eliana’s birth that He hears our prayers, and He answers us. His response may not sync with our expectations or hopes, yet He faithfully answers. God answers, but too often I miss His voice because of my own distraction or inner dissonance.
What inhibits your ability to notice God’s answers to your prayers?
This reminds me of some of the ways God’s answers humanity as we read in the Bible: with Hagar – God saw her and heard her anguish (Genesis 16:6-13); With Israel – He heard their cries (Exodus 3:7); When Elijah prayed fervently, God answered (James 5:17-18); When Jeremiah asked questions, God responded (Jeremiah 1). These examples reflect just a sampling of the numerous accounts in Scripture of God hearing and answering. “Call to me and I will answer you…” (Jeremiah 33:3).
How have you experienced God answering you? What did it feel like when God answered you?
Not only does Eliana’s first name remind us that God answers, her middle name, Shiloh, declares that she is a “gift of God” and can know “peace.” I love the way Shiloh connects with Eliana. Shiloh is mentioned 32 times in the Bible. All but one instance refers to the location, Shiloh, and one time references a prophesy of the Messiah who would bring peace and tranquility (Genesis 49:10), a gift of God.
Do you remember what happened at Shiloh?
At Shiloh, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly before Him, asking for favor to have a son (1 Samuel). God remembered Hannah and answered her prayer.
“In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:20).
Peace and tranquility exuded from Hannah as she prayed and praised God for His gifts and goodness (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Samuel was asked of God and a gift of God at Shiloh. Also, at Shiloh God spoke to Samuel as a child revealing His plan, growing Samuel into a trustworthy prophet. God offered gifts and peace at Shiloh to both Hannah, and all of Israel.
Consider the gifts of God in your life. Thank God. Celebrate with gratitude God’s kindness to you. How does remembering God’s gifts allow peace and tranquility to settle over your soul?
God answers prayer. God brings gifts. God offers peace and tranquility.
I thank God for Eliana “Ellie” Shiloh Hoag and pray she always knows she is God’s answer to many prayers. I pray she always remembers the gift of God she is to her family and the world. I pray she experiences God’s peace and tranquility within her soul all the days of her life.
My prayer for you today: May your prayers for your loved ones proclaim your trust in the God who hears and answers. May you thank God for the generous gifts He bestows. May you rest in the peace and tranquility of the Prince of Peace through life’s ups and downs.
God is with you and He loves you.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
2 Chronicles 6:19-21 – Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.
Psalm 17:6 – For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
James Merritt and Greg Laurie. The God Who Hears: A 40-Day Prayer Devotional. Eugene, OR. 2024.
Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk. Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day. Bloomington, MN. 2022.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Chris Tomlin and Thomas Rhett. God Who Listens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWOM4wc9bo
Jenn Johnson. God I Look to You. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEubLmNPxwg
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
May 10 – Breathe Retreat – Littleton, CO