The story of Hannah is a story of perseverance, prayer and faith.
Hannah’s times of sorrow
Hannah was married to Elkanah, a man of extreme wealth and faith. Hannah’s great desire was to become a mother. She longed and prayed to hear the joyful sounds of children running in her home, but sadly, she was infertile. The Lord had not given her the deepest desire of her heart, just yet…
Her husband’s love for her was sincere and pure. At the same time, his heart was deeply crushed each time he heard his wife weep or saw the tears coming down her cheeks. Hannah’s soul was filled with sadness because she couldn’t have children.
Out of impatience and a troubled heart, Elkanah, went on and married another woman. By contracting a second marriage to Penninah, Elkanah was simply making sure that he would have children. Sons and daughters to secure his legacy and name. Unfortunately, this step was a true lack of faith. Yes, children were added to the home, but happiness and delight weren’t part of the equation. Elkanah now had two wives. However, he loved Hannah more than his second wife.
Penninah was a horrible person. She was particularly jealous, arrogant and inconsiderate, just to name a few of her main attributes. In fact, she had no regard whatsoever for Hannah, who was deeply suffering in the silence of her heart. Suffering from not having children of her own. Suffering for not being able to bear life within her. Suffering for being barren.
The grief which she could share with no earthly friend, she carried to her Heavenly Father, and sought consolation from Him alone who hath said, “Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee.” There is a mighty power in prayer.
Prayer – Ellen G. White – 131.2
Hannah’s time of joy
Hannah was a meek, soft and prayerful woman. Every year, she would go to the house of the Lord and spend time in prayer. Opening her heart to God in tears, and telling Him all about her pain, sorrows and desires. Hannah knew deep down that God had heard her countless prayers and that He would certainly answer.
She made the solemn promise to God, that if He ever gave her a child, she would consecrate the child to His service. Hannah had a genuine heart and truly meant every word. The day finally came when the Lord remembered His precious daughter and granted her solemn request.
The blessing of motherhood.
She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel, which means: ”I have asked of the Lord”.
God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children…. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence?”
Steps to Christ – Ellen G. White – 94, 95
Hannah’s story, a testimony for you and I
Altogether, Hannah’s story for us women is a beautiful tribute to faithfulness in prayer.
To the woman who is earnestly praying to have a child, remain faithful to the Lord, He will answer, in His perfect time.
To the mother praying for the salvation of her children, remain faithful to The Creator, He hears your cry and sees your tears.
To the young lady who is aspiring to become a wife, remain faithful in the small things. In His time, the Lord will eventually grant you bigger things.
In essence, my dear sister, just as God answered Hannah’s faithful prayers, so will God answer your earnest prayers. Whatever you may be asking for, keep on praying, the Lord hears your sincere prayers.