Read 1 Samuel 1:1-20
Here is a quick summary of the passage: “In 1 Samuel 1:1-20, a man named Elkanah from Ephraim has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah has children, but Hannah is barren, which causes her deep anguish, exacerbated by Peninnah’s taunts. Elkanah gives Hannah extra portions of sacrificial meat out of love. During a visit to Shiloh, where Eli’s sons serve as priests, Hannah prays fervently for a son, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord. Eli initially thinks she is drunk but then blesses her after understanding her sorrow. God answers her prayer, and she gives birth to a son, Samuel, acknowledging God’s gift in his name.”
The key verses that I want to focus on today are these: “In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.'” (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
The story of 1 Samuel marks the beginning of the life of the prophet Samuel and his calling as a faithful man of God, leading the nation of Israel through both good and bad times. When Israel wanted a king, Samuel was there to fulfill the people’s desires according to the will of the Lord.
At the very beginning of his life, Samuel is a prayer come true from his mother. She, who had been barren but deeply loved by her husband, put her faith and hope in the Lord despite being ridiculed by another who had children.
Samuel is a byproduct of faithfulness, and his life exhibited this faithfulness. He was not a perfect prophet, but he loved God with his whole heart. Even his name means, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
As we will see in the life of Samuel, he grows from a boy into a man who is steadfast in his devotion to God—faithful and true. Just as Hannah cried out to the Lord, so the Lord heard her and received her vow.
I wonder how our prayers impact our future and our children. What are we praying for that God is attending to? Do we pray and then see what happens next? Henry Blackaby says something to this effect—pray and then wait to see what God does.
Hannah prayed, and God made something happen. For what are you praying? What are you hoping for? What are you asking in the name of the Lord in accordance with His will for you and your life?
Do not give up on God. Seek His face. Find favor in His ways and follow His steps.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me. In my sinfulness, you redeem me. In my doubts, you confirm your love. Thank you, Lord, for your call upon Samuel and for the answer to prayer we see in this passage. Come now, Holy Spirit, help us pray according to your will and your witness. I praise you, God, and glorify your name. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen