Countless growth to adulthood has been stunted and many a blooming relationship has been frustrated because a parent refused to "LET GO" of their children. Truly, it is difficult for parents to "let go" of their children, allowing them to be fully independent! They like to keep their children close to them always as long as possible. So, imagine the emotional sacrifice Hannah and Elkanah had to pass through when they released Samuel at a very tender age. Oh! I imagine Hannah's first night without her treasure - "Samuel." That kind of sacrifice is inconceivableal and rare to find today. Hannah said in (1 Sam 2:1)
And Hannah prayed and said: "my heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smiles at my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
So her joy did not come from Samuel, neither was her hope on Samuel*. In other words, Samuel was not an idol to Hannah, just as Isaac was not an idol to Abraham; and just as being a Pharisee in gentile law, was not an idol to Paul when God called him, beloved, who and what is your idol! What (who) is your Samuel? It could be something - a sinful secret habit, a person, etc, you love so much and yet God hates it. It could be your time, your talent, your physical body, your car, houses, land, spouse, job, etc. God may ask you to sacrifice your friends/village meetings!
In this 2nd half of 2018, release your 'Samuel' as a seed to God and watch heaven shock you in the remaining weeks of this year with blessings money cannot buy