A Lesson from Hannah (I Samuel 1 & 2) Like all other woman who yearns to have a child of her own,

Hannahs wish could be seen from her desperation in wanting to be a mother of her own children. Not able to bear a child itself already gave her much sorrow, what more when she was despised and laughed at by her rivalry for being barren year after year. Even her husband deep love and comfort for her was unable to give her much comfort. She was so sorrowful and grief that she wept bitterly and refused to eat. Unable to bear any more sorrow and hurt, she decided to turn to her Lord God for help. She prayed very earnestly to the Lord at the temple in Shiloh until her words were not spoken out but continued to pour out her sorrow to the Lord within her heart. Amazingly after the prayer, she was no longer sad even though she was yet to receive what she had asked for. Such is the power of prayer. After she returned to her home at Ramah, the Lord remembered her prayer and she conceived and bored a son (1 Sam 1:18). Her determination and persistence in wanting to have a baby paid off despite being mistakenly accused by the Priest Eli for being drunk. The story of Hannah remains a comfort for those who in times of depression and sorrow, God is there for them if they know how to depend on the Lord. The author of the book Hebrew 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hannah believed and had faith in her God that she would be given a son. She did not forget how to thank the Lord when she had received what she asked for. Her prayer of joy and thankfulness was reflected in Chapter 2 of the book of I Samuel. Since Hannah had vowed that she would give the first born to God, she must fulfill the vow. If you are unable to bear children and have been longing for a son or daughter for a long time, would you be willing to give it to the Lord? It is a

difficult decision to make at the time when you see your first child and if the baby looks so cute. As for Hannah she did not forget to fulfill her vow she made to God. When the time was up for the boy to be sent to the temple, she did not hesitate to do so. Some may say that there is no point of having a child when you cant have him beside you or to take care of you most of the time till the day you die. Many believe that what is gone is gone. What you have given away, you will never able to get back the same thing again. It is true in one way, but may not be true in another way. Jesus said in Matthew 10:39 Who ever finds his life will loose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Hannah was contended with the boy and did not expect that much from the Lord. She was contended to visit the boy each year when her husband visited the temple in Shiloh. Our God is not a God who is selfish. He can understand the wishes of a mothers heart. God remembered Hannah and gave Hannah three sons and 2 daughters (1 Sam 2: 21) Hannah may thought that she would be satisfied with a child even though she had to sacrifice him for the Lord. But the Lord was gracious to her. As a result of her sacrifice, the boy Samuel grew in the Lord and became a God fearing prophet. He was the one who guided King Saul and the nation during their times when the whole nation was at the lowest ebb of their faith. Without her sacrifice, the whole nation would not have benefited which saw the nation won many battles and the faith of the people revived. She was a good example for us to learn on how we should make sacrifices when needed.