As it has been my practice, I was at my reading table in the morning at 4.30 am for my devotion. I had woken up lately compared to my normal time 4.am.The reason is not far from my going to bed late the previous night; when I spent time working on my blog. The book of 1 Sam. was the next book of study, as has been my usual practice studying a book at a time. As I read through the first three chapters I was captivated by the story of Hannah, a woman of patience, meekness and faith.
Hannah was faced with three giant threats to contend with in her marriage and her relationship with God. There was barrenness, provocation from her rival (Peninnah) and criticism from Eli the priest. Why would a woman such as Hannah be barren, and Peninnah (a woman with ugly disposition) have children? Yet, God allowed it to be so.
Only a woman who is childless may understand the anguish of Hannah, yet Hannah had much more than to bear. While she was struggling with childlessness, her rival mocked her and provoked her always. While at Shiloh to worship the Lord (as was the practice by the family yearly) Hannah stayed behind in the temple and prayed to God for a son. As she was quietly praying in her mind (only her lips were moving) Eli, the priest who suppose to encourage her, threw another bombshell on her by accusing her of being drunk. What a life? At home, she had no rest and even in the temple of God Satan did not leave Hannah alone.
Hannah by no means was subjected to these threats but stood gallantly in her faith and defied the schemes of Satan. Instead of bemoaning her situation and clothed herself with self-pity, Hannah refused to be distracted by her… Share on X
Even when criticized by Eli the priest, she gently replied him,
After Hannah returned from Shiloh, God visited her and bless her womb and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She had promised to give the son back to God to serve in His temple and she fulfilled her vow. Afterwards, God blessed her with other sons and daughters. Her reproach was wiped away and replaced with joy and peace. The devil was put to shame, her threats were translated to triumph. Hallelujah!
Beloved sister, what is threatening your life? Is it your marriage, childlessness, disobedient children, lack, or ill-health? Would you allow it to overshadow you and weigh you down? Have you given it your full attention and you are at a point of accepting defeat? Perhaps you have prayed and even gone to prayer houses without a positive result, so you have concluded that it is your cross that you must bear.
I would like to assure you that the God that did it for Hannah is the same God we are serving today.
To be continued.
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