“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37 (KJV)
There are moments in life we eagerly share, and then there are those we quietly hide in the corners of our hearts – too heavy for social media or casual conversation. The struggle with infertility is often one of those hidden battles. It touches deeply on our sense of worth, leaving us questioning God’s love and purpose. Yet the Bible shows us through Hannah’s account that even in the most painful seasons, God is still present and at work.
Though the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her trial was not without purpose. God used her heartache to bring about something greater – not only in her life, but also in His plan of salvation. Even when Hannah couldn’t understand, God remained Sovereign. And just like her, we sometimes forget who we serve. Instead of leaning into His presence, we turn to worry, striving, and discouragement, taking our eyes off the One who holds us.
Those who love us may care deeply, yet often don’t know how to respond to our sorrow. Hannah experienced this with her husband, Elkanah, who loved her but couldn’t fully grasp her pain (1 Samuel 1:5, 10). His affection couldn’t ease her longing to be a mother. And yet, Hannah chose the correct response in her anguish: she poured her honest, bitter, and broken heart out before the Lord.
Her prayer still echoes with raw surrender and faith: “…O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life…” (1 Samuel 1:11 – KJV).
Hannah reminds us that our struggles are not ours alone to solve. Too often, we believe everything rests on our shoulders or assume God is punishing us. But God’s heart is not to shame us or burden us further – He simply calls us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Amidst brokenness, He draws near, bringing purpose, comfort, and hope.
Today, what is your “Hannah prayer” – the cry too deep for others to understand? Like Hannah, bring it honestly before God. He is not distant from your pain, and He is faithful to hear the cries of His children.
Prayer
Lord, help me trust You in the places where I feel most broken. Remind me that You see, hear, and love me, and that my story is still in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 12:2
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 106:1-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Isaiah 14; Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16