1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120, Acts 5
Is there something in your life that you dream about doing or becoming? Do you pray about your dream and believe that God will answer your prayers? I admit, this is not something I am good at. I realise this even more so after reading today’s chapters about Hannah, I am lacking in faith. Her story builds my faith and helps me to believe that God hears my prayers and He is here to help.
1 Samuel 1 and 2 tell the story of Hannah. She was married to her husband, Elkannah who loved her very much, but she was unable to conceive a child. Understandably, this caused her much grief. Her husband tried to encourage her and let her know he loved her regardless, but Hannah’s heart still ached for a child.
Every year Hannah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to God. Hannah was distraught and took this opportunity to cry out to God at His meeting place. When she entered, Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost.
As she was earnestly praying Eli was watching her. He suspected she was drunk and began quizzing her. She assured the priest that she was not drunk but just pouring out her soul to the Lord in prayer. She vowed in her prayer that if God would give her a son, she would give the child to be God’s servant.
Hannah made a solemn promise: “Lord Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don’t forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut.”
Samuel 1:11
Eli responded to Hannah and said,
“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
Samuel 1:17
Hannah had great respect for Eli. She left the tabernacle at Shiloh and was no longer sad. She had faith and believed that what she prayed for would come to pass.
God answered Hannah’s prayer, she conceived and had a son. She named him Samuel, which means “asked or heard of God.” Hannah kept her vow to God and after Samuel was weaned, she presented him to Eli the priest. This was a great sacrifice for a mother, but she was determined to fulfill her vow that she had made to God.
Samuel matured through the years and became a prophet of God, a judge and a leader in the nation of Israel. He was a mighty servant of God. Hannah went on to be blessed by more children. She probably never dreamed that her prayer would be answered beyond her dreams.
Hannah prayed with a belief that God would hear her prayers. After she had prayed at Shiloh, she went on her way believing that what she prayed for would come to pass. This is such an encouragement to us to pray for what we long for. And to walk away believing that God hears our prayers and will answer.
I am so thankful for scripture that inspires and encourages me. Reading this passage on Hannah helps build my faith and encourages me to pray and truly believe that God will answer my prayers.
What are you asking God for and believing that will come to pass?