Monday
Read: 1 Samuel 1:1—2:11
SOAP: 1 Samuel 1:27–28
“For this boy I prayed, and the Lᴏʀᴅ has given me the request that I asked of him. So I also dedicate him to the Lᴏʀᴅ. For all the days of his life he is dedicated to the Lᴏʀᴅ.” Then she bowed down there in worship to the Lᴏʀᴅ.
Devotion:
Hannah was a woman of great faith who experienced great sorrow, and also great favor from the Lord. Hannah’s husband loved her very much, more than he loved his other wife, Peninnah. As a result of this favoritism, Peninnah did everything she could to humiliate Hannah, constantly reminding her of the one thing that set Peninnah above Hannah in their family and in their community: children.
Hannah was heartbroken. Another year had passed and her dream of having children had still not been realized. Instead of drowning her sorrows in food or drink, instead of seeking advice or solutions from other women, or distracting herself with the festival activities, Hannah spent time in prayer.
As she prayed, Hannah asked God for the one thing her heart most desired. She could have asked God to change Peninnah’s heart or to rescue her from her tormentor, but that was not the desire of her heart. Hannah was so desperate for a son that she would go before the Lord in weeping, silent, repeated prayer. She asked for a son and promised to dedicate him to the Lord.
God heard her desperate prayers and gave her a son. A son who would serve God all the days of his life. A son she would raise only until he was, at most, five years old. A son named Samuel who would be a prophet and spiritual leader of Israel, anointing Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David.
What seemed impossible for Hannah was possible for God (She would go on to have five more children after Samuel!). Hannah prayed so desperately that the priest thought she was drunk. Her faith was not overshadowed by her grief. In faith, Hannah asked God for the greatest desire of her heart. In faith, Hannah kept her promise to return her son to serve the Lord. In faith, Hannah praised God and gave Him all the glory.
Instead of focusing on how her circumstances changed, Hannah declared that she found joy in the Lord, in who He is and what He was able to do. Hannah wrote a song of praise that impacted God’s people for generations. When God does what seems impossible in your life, are you quick to offer praise, like Hannah did? Today, take time to remember and praise God for His faithfulness, regardless of what your circumstances may look like.