Hannah's Story

(See 1 Samuel 1)

Hannah had been barren for years, and it came to torment her. Her husband had another wife and children, and that made matters worse, especially since Peninnah, the other wife, harrassed Hannah because she had no child. When they went to the temple, Hannah fell down and wept before the Lord. For years she had prayed for a child to ease her shame. However, this time in her desperation she promised if God would give her a son, she would give him back to God's service.

 This is what God wanted to hear. He needed a special man who would follow His will because Israel had become corrupt, including many of her young priests. Hannah had finally come to the place God wanted her. Instead of selfishly wanting a son for her benefit, she was willing to submit to God and align with His plan. God granted her request, and Samuel was born. True to her word, when Samuel was old enough to wean, she took him to the temple and left him with Eli. Samuel would go on to become a strong Jewish leader, dedicated to serving God.

Sometimes, we might have to wait for answered prayers for the same reason. God might be preparing our hearts to get to the place where we can be used in a way that's best and benefits us and/or others most. When we reach that position, He gives us so much more than we imagined because such service enriches us beyond anything we thought possible. Be patient and wait upon the Lord as you surrender to Him.

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