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 more valuable because they could carry on the family name, provide for the family and look after their parents when they got old. Females, though considered less valuable, were still a blessing because they could help care for their family, bare more children for the tribe and the parents could receive a dowry for them from their future husband.
Hannah lived in a polygamous home where her husband Elkanah had two wives (though this practice was not blessed by God, it was allowed in Old Testament times). Elkanah’s other wife Peninnah, had bore many children to him but Hannah remained barren. When Hannah shared her disappointment with Elkanah 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) Hannah felt alone and misunderstood; yet she was willing to believe God for what she didn’t have.
Hannah had faith in God for more than just a good life with her husband- she wanted a child that would become an awesome man of God.
In her desperation she went to the tabernacle and wept bitterly before the Lord to receive a child (1 Samuel 1:10). She then prayed with great faith and said, “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” (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah’s prayers were so loud and filled with desperation that Eli the priest thought she was drunk. However, after she made her intentions clear, Eli gave her a promise that God would answer her prayer (1 Samuel 1:12-18).
In the course of time she became pregnant and 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 five more children- three 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 an example for us today of mountain moving faith. She knew that with God all things are possible to those who believe according to His will. 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 for the problems you are facing?
Action
- Repent if you have lost your faith in God to do great things. Alexander MacLaren said, “There can be no faith so feeble that Christ does not respond to it.”
- Prayerfully read the Word of God and receive His great and precious promises for your life (2 Peter 1:4).
- By faith, ask God to change your impossible situation!
One Year Reading Plan
Ezekiel 21:1-22:31, Hebrews 10:1-17, Psalm 108:1-13, & Proverbs 27:12. Click here to read online.
