Foundations Week 15, Day 1

Scripture Read:  I Samuel 1 - 2
Title: Hannah's Desire For a Son
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "And in due time, Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, 'I have asked for him from the LORD.'" I Samuel 1:20

(E) Explain: Hannah is one the wives of Elkanah.  She was barren.  Elkanah loved Hannah more than his other wife Peninnah and we are not told why.  Peninnah would continually provoke her because Hannah could not have a child.  Hannah wanted a child very badly, so she went to the temple and fervently prayed to the LORD to give her a child.  The High Priest saw her praying and took her for being drunk, but Hannah assured him she was not.  In her prayer she made a promise to God, she said, "If you indeed look upon the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head."  Over time God gave her the desires of her heart and she had a baby boy and named him Samuel.  She kept her promise and "lent him to the LORD.  As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD."

(A) Application:  The story of Samuel and Hannah holds a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons.  First, when I read throughout the Bible about the MANY barren women, their lives all end with God blessing them and giving them a child.  The child who is born is often, if not always, a child whom God blesses and uses mightily for His purposes.  Secondly, this story is dear to me because when my wife and I were trying to have a child, we were told there was a good chance we could not conceive.  We prayed about this and we were ok with it.  However, we didn't want to give up.  We had trouble conceiving and one day I was reading this passage and I was encouraged because I made the promise to the LORD that if He would give us a child, we would dedicate him/her to Him forever.  The LORD spoke to me and told me we would have a child.  I shared this with my wife and we continued to pray for a child.  Today, I am the proud father of four beautiful children.  I am encouraged to know that God still hears our prayers, knows our desires and delights in giving us the desires of our hearts.  I am reminded in this passage over and over again that nothing is impossible with God, All things are in His hands and I need to trust Him to be God. 

(R) Respond: God is kind.  He knows our hearts.  He hears our prayers.  Don't stop praying and don't stop trusting Him.  He alone is God and He will respond and rule according to His will and purpose.