One of the most positive role models in the Bible is a woman named Hannah. Her story is in 1st Samuel, Chapter 1. Hannah and her husband would travel each year to a town called Shiloh to worship God and offer sacrifices. One year, Hannah offered something very special to God. Hannah was barren, unable to have children. In that ancient culture a woman’s worth was based on how many children she could bear. Therefore, Hannah was seen as worthless and useless. People picked on her, and she was taunted. But the Bible says she had enough, and she decided to make a change. She went to the temple alone. There in her deep anguish Hannah sought comfort not in the world but by praying to the LORD, weeping bitterly. Her soul was crushed and she cried inconsolably. Amid her tears she vowed, “LORD Almighty, if you will stop neglecting me and remember me, and if you will give me a son then I will give him back to you for all the days of his life. I will set him apart to be your disciple, to lead a life of service.” When her heart was broken, she did not seek the comfort of the world. Hannah prayed to God and God alone. She did not pray because she had to or because she wanted to impress anyone. Hannah was deeply troubled, and she poured out her soul to the Lord because she knew that God alone could answer her prayers. God did hear Hannah’s prayers and He did answer them.
First, God gave Hannah peace, the peace that passes all understanding. Second, God gave Hannah a son named Samuel who grew up to be one of the most important leaders of the Old Testament. When Samuel was old enough, Hannah fulfilled her vow–she brought him to Eli the priest to serve in the temple. When she fulfilled her vow, Hannah’s heart was so full of joy that she started singing praises to God, describing Him as a rock and as a God who knows His people.
Friends, when we go through tough times we need to follow Hannah’s example of pouring out our heartaches to God. God does hear our prayers. Sometimes God’s answer to prayer is not what we expected, but we can praise our God no matter what the situation. When God answers our prayers we need to again follow Hannah’s example of praising God, our rock and sure foundation. Amen.
Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church
5503 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington
Sunday Worship: Traditional 8:30am & 11:00am, AWE Contemporary 10:45am