Hannah - Women of the Bible
1 Samuel 1 Chapters 1 - 2
She was one of the two wives of Elkanah. She is more popularly known for being the mother of Samuel; one of the prophets of Israel.
Hannah had no child and Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah used this fact to irritate her. A cruel thing to do. This went on year after year causing much grief to Hannah.
A longing of the heart denied can cause much pain. Rather than allow her pain to cause bitterness towards God Hannah used the pain in her heart as a catalyst to pray. (1 Samuel 1:12-20).
God always hears the prayer that comes from the depth of the heart of a righteous person. (James 5:16). Remember that Christ has made us righteous (1 Corinthians 1:30) and hence we too can come boldly to his presence to receive our requests from Him (Hebrews 4: 14-16)
Dear woman of God. Do you have a desire that God seems to have denied you. Pour out your heart to the Lord. We may not understand all that we go through, but one thing is sure. Those that put their trust in God are never put to shame.
Hannah was a woman of prayer. She had what many of us would call " a raw deal in life". She did not settle for it. She went after God. She poured her heart out to Him and He filled her and met her desire.
Notice that the condition of Hannah changed after her encounter with God. She started to live a normal life again (1 Samuel 1:18).
Something changed in Hannah's heart before the child came. She believed God before she saw the result.
Hannah soon gave birth to Samuel. When the child was weaned she gave him back to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:24-28)
All mothers know that the time will come (or has come) when their children will grow up and leave. That is the time to let them go. No more holding and pulling their emotional cords. It's time to stop influencing them. Let them loose to be what God has called them to be.
This might involve calling them and praying over them. Releasing them to go and fulfil their God given destiny. You will always be their parent but no longer their guide. For some parents this is not easy. On your part it might involve a few tears. But it is the right thing to do. (Genesis 2:24)
They might still be around and visit you often, but they are now independent of you in many ways.
God used Hannah to show us that this is possible. If anyone cherished her child Hannah did. Yet even she knew that children are a gift from God. We are given the privilege to care, guide and train them and later release them into life.
Hannah's story ends with her giving praise and glory to God (1 Samuel 2:1-11). She had a fulfilled life. The fact that she had to wait for some things did not mean she was doomed.
Waiting for things is not a curse. In fact God always uses it to produce a blessing if we remain faithful to Him. Keep your trust in God. That is what Hannah's life is telling you.
Source: The Living Word Library © 1996 - 2008
http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=161
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