35 Quotes by Jill Eileen Smith

Oh Adonai, why do You not act? Why do You let the evil go on and on?

What a failure her life had been. Would she have lied to God if she’d had more faith, been more righteous? How could she possibly have a son at her age? And yet, if she had believed all along . . .

Now, my sweet girl, you are officially my wife and my queen." His whispered words spoken with intensity matched the passion of his green eyes. He was indeed handsome.As he took her hand to lift her to her feet, he turned them to face the crowd. "Behold, today Persia has a new queen! Queen Esther!

Could she obey God, even at the cost of losing an only beloved child? Could she give back what God had given?

He grinned, feeling as young as he once did in Vashti's presence. Esther brought back the joys of youth, and he felt a sense of deep gratitude and satisfaction that he had listened to his servants when they suggested the contest that had brought her to him. He would not admit to her his deep need, nor how well she fulfilled that in him, but he felt it just the same.

Hannah knew that God did not look on the outward person but on the inner workings of the heart. And that made all the difference.

The words of praise never ceased. She awoke each morning with a song in her heart and laughed when she heard Elkanah whistle his greeting. God had heard! What had seemed completely impossible was possible! God had answered her prayer when she had lost all hope.

After a meal of yogurt soup, duck with pomegranate and walnut sauce over barley, stewed spinach, and baked apples, they could move to her receiving room and enjoy wine in the comfort of a more private setting.

Hannah said to Elkanah, “none of us deserve blessing, but I am so glad God gives it anyway.” A Passionate Hope