1 Samuel 1:20, “So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
Hannah lived in a time when women’s lives were based primarily on their ability to produce children for their tribe. Male children were regarded as very valuable because they would carry on the family name, provide for the family, and look after their mothers in their old age. Also, female children were considered a blessing because they could help care for their family, bare more children for the tribe, and the family could receive dowry from their future husband.
Hannah lived in a polygamous home where her husband Elkanah had two wives. Elkanah’s wife Peninnah had bore many children but Hannah had not given birth to any. When she tried to explain her pain and disappointment to her husband he didn’t understand and tried to comfort her by saying, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”- 1 Samuel 1:8. However, Hannah had faith in God for more than just a good life with her husband- she wanted a child that could be an awesome man of God.
In her desperation she came to the temple of God and wept bitterly before the Lord to receive a child, 1 Samuel 1:10. She then prayed with great faith in 1 Samuel 1:11, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” Hannah’s prayers were so loud and filled with desperation that the priest thought she was drunk. However, after she made her intentions clear the priest gave her a promise that she would bring forth a son, 1 Samuel 1:12-18.
Sure enough, the Lord honored His word and she gave birth to Samuel- the last and greatest judge of Israel, 1 Samuel 1:20-28. And because she was willing to give Samuel to the priest to be raised in the Lord’s service, God gave her three more sons and two daughters, 1 Samuel 2:21! As a result of her faith Hannah received more from the Lord than she ever imagined.
Hannah serves as a great example for us today of mountain moving faith. She knew that with God all things are possible so she made her requests known to God in faith. May we all have faith in God like Hannah to not settle for things the way they are but believe God to do exceedingly more than we could ever ask or imagine, Ephesians 3:20-21!
Reflection
Do you have faith in God like Hannah did for the problems you are facing?
Action
- Repent if you have lost your faith in God to do great things.
- Prayerfully read the Word of God and receive his great and precious promises for your life, 2 Peter 1:4.
- Like Hannah, cry out to God in faith for Him to do what only He can do and change your situation!
