Hannah's Prayer

Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's tabernacle. Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to The Lord and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, "Lord of hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant's affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to The Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut. 1Samuel 1:9-11

Hannah had been barren and although her husband loved her, his other wife, who had many children showed her contempt. Isn't it amazing how those who lack love abuse those who have it.

The Lord heard Hannah's prayer and she bore a son, a great man, Samuel, one of the greatest men of God. He was dedicated to The Lord and did not turn to the right or left, he was steadfast. Truth was found in his mouth, integrity in his heart.

Hannah had been barren for a number of years but finally she had had enough of the abuse of her husband's second wife, whom he did not love.

Have you found that there are some things you put up with way too long, until finally you cannot bear it any more? For some of us it is unbelief that holds us back, for some laziness,  an unwillingness to pay the price, a desire that God provides a miracle just because we asked.

I know someone, currently, who is unwilling to press into God for what belongs to him, he prefers his ease, he is comfortable in it. I can almost scream, "come on! You can do this, you are made to overcome!" I have seen him become poorer and poorer but still he does not budge. I can see God's promise on the other side of effort and know my God wants to bless him. I have asked him, "What will it take for you to move?" He does not know, but God does.

I am glad Hannah became desperate, we needed Samuel, the people of Israel needed Samuel.

When we finally move, God can act. What great things are we holding up?

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