A Gift for and from Hannah

If you are like me and grew up in church there are Bible stories we’ve heard so many times. So many times that we know them and have such a familiarity with them that we might not pay as much attention when we hear a message. The story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1 & 2) is one of them. I’ve heard the story ministered and the emphasis seemed to always be that Hannah prayed for a son and God answered her petition. Nothing more or less. Straightforward. End of message. Aww but Hannah in desperation went to the House of the Lord, prayed in anguish for the Lord to open her womb. She was barren. To add insult to injury her husband’s other wife made fun of her. Recently her story was illuminated in a whole new way by the Holy Spirit to calm my anxious heart concerning my son, college, and my future. Now before you get excited do know that I have not been praying for a kid! A good GOD chasing man is welcomed but I ain’t here for diaper duty.

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be wife #2. That’s a definite no. The other wife was petty. I have read and heard, even witnessed firsthand the pain of those who desire children and have been unable to reproduce. I have prayed with and for couples who are barren. I can imagine Hannah presenting her request at the altar. She was unashamed of her deep need for an answer from the only who would could say yes. She laid it all out! Ever so gently the Lord reminded me of the times I spent praying praying for my son, for his future, his life. He reminded me that there are desires and dreams that I have laid at his feet, bathed in tears and pieces of my broken heart. Days when I felt like folks were wondering why I would throw myself at the feet of Jesus during worship.

The reality is I knew it is/was because I’ve carried dreams (seeds) inside of me that have yet to be born. I need them to produce. It is/was because I recognized my limitations as a single parent. Like Hannah during those times when my world was titled off course, I asked God to sustain me. I pleaded with him to take care of my son with His resources. He is still doing great things. I know that my best days are still ahead. Krystopher is college bound soon. That my barrenness in specific areas will soon end. I’ll have an even greater testimony to encourage someone. Whatever you are tempted to give up on. Don’t! What you have been praying and praying and praying for year after year after year like Hannah has not gone unnoticed by the King of the world.

Make the scripture personal: “For this ______ I have prayed

and the lord has given me what I asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

Stay in faith,