YouVersion

S - “There was once a man who lived in Ramathaim. His name was Elkanah. He had two wives. The first was Hannah; the second was Peninnah. Peninnah had children; Hannah did not. When Elkanah sacrificed, he passed helpings from the sacrificial meal around to his wife Peninnah and all her children, but he always gave an especially generous helping to Hannah because he loved her so much, and because God had not given her children. Bur her rival wife taunted her cruelly, rubbing it in and never letting her forget that God had not given her children. This went on year after year. Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite.” 1 Samuel 1:1-7 (MSG)

O - In this passage of scripture from the Old Testament in the book of 1 Samuel we hear about a woman named Hannah. One of two wives to her husband, Elkanah, Hannah was baron and was subject to the taunting of her rival wife constantly. Broken hearted and hopeless, Hannah was continually asked why she was so upset, and no one could truly understand the way her heart ached to bear a child.

Finally, having had enough of the constant taunting, Hannah picked herself up and went to the temple of the Lord, praying to God and crying out to Him to hear her prayer. Making a vow that if the Lord bore her a son, she would give him back to the Lord to do his work. Hannah prayed silently in her heart that God would hear her prayer and honor her plea.

The passage goes on to talk about how a priest came by and accused Hannah of being drunk because of the way she was pouring our her heart and soul before the Lord. Assuring him she was not drunk on any kind of liquor, but was simply a desperately sad woman, he blessed her and left - saying to her “Go in Peace, may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him.” (v17). Scripture goes on to say that God honored Hannah’s prayer blessing her with a Son whom she called Samuel - meaning ‘Because I asked the Lord for him...’

A - What an incredible picture this passage is of a woman who was not only dedicated to her heart’s desires but incredibly faithful. There were many-a-time in this passage where Hannah could have given up completely - falling subject to those around her who offered nothing but criticism. Even the people closest to her couldn’t understand her heartache - and while she was hurting and feeling broken, she went straight to the secret place, the sanctuary of the Lord and poured our her heart before him.

Not once do we read in this passage that she retaliated to the other wife and called her a so-and-so, a reaction many of us have perhaps revered to in similar situations in our own lives. Even when she was accused of being a drunkard by a priest - she humbly explained herself, offering no such accusation in return. What an honorable response to give.

This passage of scripture challenges me consistently to review the way I react to things in my own life: How do I resolve a situation when I am subject to criticism or persecution? What do you do in your life? Even though it is in our human nature to respond with equal criticism, becoming angry and vindictive towards those who cause us hurt or pain, we have a lot to learn from this woman about refusing to respond negatively, but rather taking our hurts and sorrows to the Lord.

Prayer is such a powerful means of communication with the Lord and there is something about being open and broken before him that reconciles our heart to God’s. As we can see from Hannah’s faithfulness, the Lord answered her prayers and blessed her with a child. What was her response to this answer to prayer? Read 1 Samuel 2 - Hannah’s praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

R - God, thank you so much for all the prayers I have seen answered in my lifetime so far - regardless of how big or small they are. I pray that you would help make me more like Hannah - learning to turn to you and pour out my heart to you when trials come my way. Would you help me to be faithful in desiring your heart and your plans to unfold in my life and help me to seek your righteousness when I am faced with persecution. God I know your plans and ways and perfect and I desire to patiently see them come to pass. Thank you so much for making me who I am today - and help me to never forget or take for granted the small things in life and the way you are answering prayers for me each and every day. Amen.