Happy Saturday FAMily! We are still on the journey that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.
What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.
Today we will focus on Hannah. This story begins in the book of 1 Samuel, the first chapter.
Hannah was married to Elkanah and he had two wives: Hannah & Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not have any children. Each year Elkanah would offer sacrifices for his wives and children but ensured that Hannah received a double portion because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. Scripture states that her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This means that Peninnah (and maybe some others) belittled Hannah because she did not have any children.
This went on for years! Whenever Hannah went to church, her rival provoked her till she wept and could not eat. Could you imagine going to your place of solitude (church) and being persecuted? Crazy!
In 1 Samuel 1:8 it says “Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”.
Hannah prayed to God, weeping bitterly. She was authentic with her emotions and prayed to God because she wanted to have a child. In 1 Samuel 1:11 she made a vow, saying, “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”. That very night God opened her womb and she conceived Samuel.
Hannah's fervent prayer and vow teaches us that consistent faithfulness and persistent prayer get God's attention. She believed God for a son and He multiplied her faith by giving her many children.
Application
What are some areas on your life that you gave up praying about? Have you stopped walking in faith? It is time to pick back up and pray fervently for the things that God has promised you.
Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Deborah!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
