In HONOR of All MOTHERS on this extraordinary “MOTHER’S DAY” week, I present “Hannah: A Woman Seeking God’s Heart.”
From the Female Promise Seekers Series: “Woman Thou Art Chosen”
Hannah’s name means gracious. To be gracious means to be courteous, kind, and pleasant. When I think of Hannah’s behavior, gracious describes her personality well. Her record proves this statement to be true.
Let me introduce you to the members of Hannah’s family. The head of the family is a Jewish man named Elkanah. Elkanah has two wives, Peninnah, and Hannah. Peninnah has children, and Hannah desires to have children, yet she has none. Facts reveal that Hannah doesn’t have children because the Lord closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:6).
Unable to bear children, Hannah suffered ridicule from Peninnah. After being taunted by her rival for not barring children, with sorrow and guilt in her heart, Hannah prayed. She vowed that if she were to give birth to a son, she would raise him as a Nazirite and dedicate him to the Lord’s service (1 Samuel 1:11). This is when grace is revealed.
Once a year, the family traveled to Shiloh because the Tabernacle of the Lord was located there. While at the entrance of the Tabernacle, Hannah sorely wept as she earnestly prayed to the Lord for a son. Then, she prayed silently, so only her lips moved.
Eli, the priest, saw her, and he assumed that she was drunk. But after Hannah explained the reason for her sorrow, Eli blessed her and asked God to grant her request. The Lord remembered Hannah, and she conceived a child and named him Samuel. His name means “name of God.” Hannah having a spirit of excellence, kept her promise to the Lord as expected.
My personal moments…
The story of Hannah gives insight into God’s heart. God knows our story from beginning to end. He has a purpose and a good plan for our lives, and we can trust that He will see us through to completion according to His will. He understands the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews. 4:15).
Hannah’s story teaches us to seek God first with our concerns and believe that He hears our prayers and He is faithful to answer. Hannah knew the power of prayer and the strength it produces while waiting. She learned to trust God during the winter seasons of her life. Her faithfulness in seeking God proved her trust, and because of that, she received her just reward.
God invites us to bring our petitions to Him; (Philippians 4:6). Although He may not respond in the same manner that He answered Hannah, we must remain prayerful and expectantly wait for an answer. Eventually, it will all work out for our good and God’s glory!
Have a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Background Scripture: First Samuel Chapter One
Photograph Credit: Noire 3000 Bible, by James C. Lewis
Resources: Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary; Holy Bible, Parallel
Jeanie Martin Ministries 