Influential Women Of The Bible: Hannah

Influential Women Of The Bible: Hannah

Hannah’s story is found in 1 Samuel Chapters 1-2. Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah. The other was Peninnah. Peninnah bore children to Elkanah but Hannah was childless. Peninnah used this fact to torment and irritate Hannah. This went on year after year causing Hannah much grief. Rather than allow her pain to cause bitterness, Hannah used her pain as incentive to pray (1 Samuel 1:12-20).

One day while in the temple, Hannah was praying with great weeping while Eli the High Priest was sitting on a chair near the doorpost (1 Samuel 1:10). In her prayer she asked God for a son and in return she vowed to give her son back to God for the service of the sanctuary. She promised that her son would remain a Nazarite all the days of his life. Eli thought she was drunk because she only moved her lips so he questioned her. When she explained herself he sent her away and said that her prayer would be heard and her desire granted. As promised, the Lord answered her prayer. She conceived and bore a son. She called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked of the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:20). She raised him until he was weaned (about age three), and she dedicated him back to the Lord in the sanctuary (1 Samuel 1:24-28). Samuel lived with Eli the priest and was visited by his parents on their annual pilgrimages. Hannah records her song of praise to the Lord for answering her prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Eli then pronounced another blessing on Hannah and she conceived two additional sons and 2 daughters (1 Samuel 2:21). God is a prayer answering God!

Hannah’s story reveals the pain many women experience of not being or having “enough.” But yet she shows the courage and faith to overcome that pain. My sister, you may have a desire that God seems to have denied you. As a result, you may be experiencing pain. Be encouraged today and pour out your heart to the Lord. You may not understand all that your going through but one thing is for sure, those who put their trust in God will “not be put to shame” (Isaiah 54:4). Hannah was a woman of prayer. She did not settle for her current circumstance. She went after God. She was hurt, and she wasn't going to pretend before God that everything was alright. Her heart was bleeding and she wanted God to tend to her wound. She literally poured her heart to God until He granted her desire. God always hears the cry that comes from a righteous heart (James 5:16).

Hannah's story ends with her giving praise and glory to God (1 Samuel 2:1-11). The fact that she had to wait didn’t mean it was over. Waiting on God is never a waste of time. God always ends on a positive! Stay in-tune with God my sister. There’s a blessing to those who remain faithful to Him. This was Hannah’s testimony, now let it be yours.