Hope for a child, Hope in the Distance, Part 17

Elkanah had two wives. Peninnah had children; Hanna, however, was bare. She wanted more than anything to have a child, and she didn't know what to do about it.

In those days, a married woman was ostracized for not having children.

Peninnah, for example, "Taunted her cruelly, rubbing it in and never letting her forget that God had not given her children." (1 Sam. 1:6 MSG)

Even in God’s house she found no safe haven from cruel mocking: "Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hanna was reduced to tears and had no appetite." (1 Sam. 1: 7, MSG)

She went there nonetheless. She went to pray to God. At least He wouldn’t mock and taunt. He at least would listen, and she shared her pain with Him and begged Him to give her a child. She even promised that if she had a son: “I'll give him completely, unreservedly to you. I'll set him sorry for a life of holy discipline." (1 Sam. 1:11 MSG)

Even this posture of prayer did not shield her from the insulting scorn. The high priest, Eli, thought she was drunk!

Nonetheless, her response was not vindictive: "Oh no, sir -please! I'm a woman hard used. I haven't been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to GOD. Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long." (1 Sam. 1:15 MSG)

Eli must have felt terrible for his accusations. He answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him." (1 Sam. 1:17 MSG)

When the priest said that, Hanna received hope. She knew that our Heavenly Father would come through, no matter what. "’Think well of me—and pray for me!’ she said, and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant.” (1 Sam. 1:18 MSG)

Notice that Hannah was no longer crying. In fact, her face was radiant. She had seen our Heavenly Father. She had hope. And, “Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, ‘I asked GOD for him.’" (1 Sam. 1:20 MSG)

There is nothing too difficult for our Father! Hannah was so happy. She prayed: “I'm bursting with GOD-news! I'm walking on air. I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation. Nothing and no one is holy like GOD, no rock mountain like our God. Don't dare talk pretentiously—not a word of boasting, ever! For GOD knows what's going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens.” (1 Sam. 2:1-3 MSG)

As Hannah had promised, she dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s work, and he would become one of the most dedicated priests in history.

What is breaking your heart? Are you also in need of hope? “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.” (Heb. 6:19 NLT) Come to our loving Father. He will give that hope!

Rob Chaffart