February 13, 2024

The story of Hannah starts very heartfelt. Her husband had two wives; the other one, Peninnah, had many children, but Hannah was barren. The unfortunate thing is that rather than being sympathetic to her, she was jealous of her husband's affection for her even though he had no children from her. Peninnah's mean spirit causes Hannah grief and makes her depressed. So, she went with her husband when it was time for the Lord's feasts. When he made his offering to the Lord, he gave Peninnah and her children each a good portion, but for Hannah, he gave her the choicest portion. I'll bet he gave her the ribeye! She was so distraught that she couldn't eat. So she went into the temple to pray. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk because when she prayed, her lips moved, but the words she spoke were within her heart. It was then that she asked God for a son and committed to give him back to the Lord if he granted her prayer request; she had made a vow. Remember, she couldn't make a vow without permission from her husband. Eli told her that her prayer would be answered, and she left there with a happy heart. She was then able to eat. When they got home, she became pregnant with Samuel. She raised him until he was weaned, took him back to the temple, and presented him to Eli, the priest, for him to finish raising him and to train him in the ways of the Lord. 

Can you imagine leaving your child? Her trust in God was incredible. I'll bet she cried all the way home; I would have. We're talking about Samuel; by the time these following few books of the Bible are over, God will have raised up an incredible prophet wholly devoted to Him. Hannah received blessings upon blessings. It's shameful that Peninnah was so mean to her, but Hannah may not have prayed and devoted Samuel to God if she hadn't been. Remember, sometimes our trials are to help us rely on God's blessings and trust him with our situation. Even that mean girl in your office has a role to play, pushing you to do what's right in the eyes of God. Trust Him without reservation. He has nothing but good things waiting for you on the other side of your despair.

And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:25-26