1 Samuel 1:12-20
As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:12-20 (NIV)
Hannah had a problem, and she prayed to the Lord for a solution. Through the help of her husband, Elkanah, the problem was resolved, and Samuel was born. But she had made a deal with the Lord that she would give up her son if only she could have one! How many of us would be willing to make such a deal? We resort to pregnancy clinics and with the help of many hands several are able to become pregnant and take delivery of that precious little package. Give that bundle away? Most would say, NO WAY!
This passage talks to me about perseverance and love. Hannah kept trying to have a child and she was able to go to the extremes for her time to become pregnant. Most of us have had trials in our lives where we pray for God’s help. Does it always work out as we hope? In short, no! I think of the Garth Brooks song “Unanswered Prayers.” I love the following verse from that song if you are not familiar with it “Sometimes I thank God, For unanswered prayers, Remember when you’re talkin’ To the man upstairs, That just because he may not answer, doesn’t mean he don’t care, ‘Cause some of God’s greatest gifts, Are unanswered prayers.” Sometimes we think our lives would be enhanced by certain things, so we pray to God for that to happen. Later, when that event doesn’t materialize, we realize that it is a good thing the event did not occur. We do not always realize that God had different plans for us.
Questions for Reflection:
- Can you think of a time when you prayed to God for something in your life, but God gave you something different?
- Can you think of a time when you were glad that God did not answer your prayer?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please grant me the wisdom to pray for things or life events that are truly necessary in my life. Help me understand the results of my prayers when those results are not what I requested. Let me know that you are still there for me. Thank you!
Amen
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