“…the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:3 (NIV)
The account of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 highlights the struggle of infertility in a society where childbearing was highly valued.
Elkanna’s second wife, Peninnah, became Hannah’s rival and would taunt her cruelly about not bearing any children. This continued for years, especially when it was time to visit God’s temple – she could expect to be taunted, reducing her to tears and an inability to eat (1 Samuel 1:6-7).
Hannah, however, trusted God and the process He was taking her through. One year, she visited the temple and spoke deep, sincere prayers to God, pouring out her heart in desperation. She prayed and made a vow: “Lord Almighty, if You will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him back to the Lord for all the days of his life…” (1 Samuel 1:10-11 – NIV).
As she prayed, even the priest misinterpreted her intense displays of emotion and accused her of being drunk. Friends, God hears and understands our prayers of the heart, even when they are not spoken and others misinterpret them.
Hannah received the Lord’s peace and favour that day in Shiloh; the Lord had opened her womb due to her prayer. The Bible says, “…and the Lord remembered her ” (1 Samuel 1:19). In the Bible, ‘remember’ often signifies God’s activity intervening on someone’s behalf, fulfiling a promise, or taking action based on a previous prayer or promise.
Hannah persevered in praying to God and gave birth to a son named Samuel (which means “I asked the Lord for Him”). I urge you all today to earnestly seek God’s face and hearing and submit your request in faith to Him. Hannah’s delay in having a child led to fervent prayers and her vow to dedicate her future son to God. This was a key part of fulfilling Samuel’s purpose; he was fully devoted to God and served God from a tender age, becoming one of Israel’s main prophets in their history.
Read: Galatians 6:9; James 1:12
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 91:9-16; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; 1 Chronicles 22:2-19; 1 Chronicles 23