I Samuel 1:5-10

“But to Hannah he would give a double portion, because he loved Hannah, but the Lord had given her no children. Hannah’s rival provoked her bitterly, to irritate and embarrass her, because the Lord had left her childless. So it happened year after year, whenever she went up to the house of the Lord, Peninnah provoked her; so she wept and would not eat. Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you cry and why do you not eat? Why are you so sad and discontent? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

Today, we’re going to briefly look into the life of Hannah. She was greatly loved and blessed by her husband. She had everything she could ever want, actually double…everything but a baby. In Bible days, it was very shameful to be barren. Women faced much persecution and ridicule if they were unable to give birth to children.

But why couldn’t Hannah be happy with a good life and a husband who loved her and doubly blessed her? Because she had a deep longing for something more in her life…something she knew God had for her.

If you read further along in I Samuel 1, when Hannah is crying out to God in desperation, she is misunderstood in her desperation, her longing and her insistence that the Lord would bring forth her blessing. She was treated cruelly (bullied) by other women because she didn’t fit into the cookie cutter mold of all the rest of them.

Once she received the encouragement from Eli the priest that God would grant her prayer, she was able to continue on in her faith that her blessing was on the way. Still, it took at least 9 months before she saw this happen.

Her blessing, the answer to her prayer came from a steady, consistent, obedience and faith in her relationship with her husband, the Lord and the encouraging words of Eli, which I’m sure she clung to. She cried out to the Lord and her husband when she was in distress. Once Samuel was born, she gave God all the praise for silencing her enemies and bringing about the blessing of her child. Then, she gave her blessing, her gift back to the Lord to be used however He wanted.

What are you desperate for?

What are you believing and praying for?

Are you honoring God in your relationship with your husband?

Are you worshipping and praying in the house of the Lord and seeking wise counsel? Do you have someone agreeing in prayer with you?

Yes, God has already abundantly blessed your life, but there is something more that you know He has put in your heart to be made manifest in your life.

As you go into this New Year, with all your hopes and dreams of the future, keep your eyes on what the Lord has for you. Keep pressing in and believing for the promises He has given you. Hold fast to His Word and stay in His presence, even if you face the ridicule of others and are misunderstood!

Father, I thank You for all the ways I am loved, blessed and favored by You. But, I know there’s more. More that You have for me to do, more that You have for me to see and experience. Help me to keep my eyes on You and stay strong in my walk of faith. Help me to hold fast to those things You’ve placed deep in my heart to accomplish for Your kingdom and Your purposes. Silence my “enemies” and do not allow discouragement to creep in. I look to You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.