Hannah, a role model

Sometimes we go through situations that we cannot hide and sometimes people will use these situations to make us feel even worse but never lose your cool. ‘Keep calm and carry on’ as they say. The bible reassures us that the testing of our faith produces perservance and so many other wonderful things (James 1:2-4). Nothing that happens to us is a surprise to God, He isn’t shocked by the way things turn out, so trust Him. Hannah’s womb was closed by God Himself because Samuel her son was needed at a specific time. That door that hasn’t been opened or that prayer that seems to have gone unanswered, don’t worry, God knows about it.

Where you’ll find her 1 Samuel 1 & 2

Who she was  Hannah was one of two wives of Elkannah. Hannah was unable to give birth because the Lord had closed her womb, whilst Peninnah (the other wife) was able to and because of this she made life hard for Hannah by constantly provoking her and things of that nature. Yet every year Elkannah would offer sacrifices at Shiloh and give Hannah a double portion of what Peninnah and her children got because he loved her so much. This could have also been a display of faith on his part. Who you are surrounded by when things are tough is quite important to our level of faith, some people pick us up whilst others make us feel worse. Evaluate. 

What she did One day Hannah poured out her heart to God, weeping because she had reached her limit of torment from Peninnah and not being able to give her husband a child. Whilst doing this she made a vow to God (which she kept) that if God remembered her and gave her a son, she would dedicate said son back to God. Do you dedicate what God has given you back to Him? In your work/school/everyday life do you honour God for what He has given you? As Hannah was praying, Eli was watching and thought she was drunk and approached her in a manner that could have made her very angry. Instead  she exercised patience and  answered him gently. Hannah explained to Eli that she was just pouring her heart out to God, which she did not have to do, and because of this, Eli prayed for her and put her mind at ease. After this conversation she was no longer downcast and from that moment her life was about to change for the better. Prayer changes things, but so does your attitude. All our struggles in life are a test and if you continuously fail a test you must retake it, right? If your attitude does not reflect what God requires of you during the bad times, it may take a little bit longer for your breakthrough to come. Ask the Israelites. Yes you may be hurting but your character should still remain praise worthy. 

Why she was amazing Hannah was amazing on so many levels! Hannah kept up her vow, it must have been hard but she did it. Sometimes we make promises to God when we are searching and when we find, we forget all about it, God has not forgotten. See your promise through, God did not stop half way, why should you? It may be hard but remember, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Hannah went on to have more children and you will also be fruitful when you’re faithful. She showed that no matter what we are going through, the Lord still deserves our devotion. She could have said ‘what’s the point, God has forgotten me let me forget Him’, but she continued to be faithful to God. She lived out Isaiah 40:31 (those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength), she waited on God and although her flesh was probably very weary her spirit was strong enough to keep her praying and knocking on God’s door. When hard times come dont rely on your own strength, it will fail you and your hope will grow weary. Instead trust in the Lord with all your heart and in His perfect timing He will make your path straight.  Hannah showed that patience is a virtue. When people don’t know our pain its hard for them to understand our actions, Hannah could have given Eli a few bad words and blamed it on her situation but she did not. She held her tongue and spoke gently. Hannah’s story shows that she knew what she was entitled to from God and that kept her going. Many of us do not know what is ours from God and so we pray amiss thinking that God is not hearing us, but He’s not answering because IT’S NOT YOURS (James 4:3). Praying in the spirit as I’m sure Hannah did, is the key to knowing what is yours, asking God what He wants for you is also important. Hannah’s story also shows that comparison is a thief of joy. I’ll explain. You may be in the same or similar position as someone and they are seeing success and happiness whilst you are struggling. Don’t compare yourself to them. Yes the outside looks the same but you don’t know what greatness God has brewing for you. So be joyful in hope because if you’re only happy when things are good according to your understanding of what good is, you’ll miss the blessing in the lesson. Your position in life does not determine God’s favour upon you. Hannah had no children yet Elkannah gave her a double portion each and every year. What God has in store for you is worth the wait, hold on to that. Romans 12:12 – Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.