Hannah really wanted a child. She wanted one so badly that she told God if He would give her a son, she would give him back to Him. This was the sacrifice she was willing to make – if only God would give her a son.
Hannah prayed from the depths of her heart – so much so that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk. We too can pray with such fervancy, if we choose to.
Hannah had been deeply distressed. In fact, she was so upset that she wasn’t able to eat. After her prayer, however, she was no longer depressed. She was also able to eat again. Her situation hadn’t yet changed, but now she had something she, perhps, hadn’t had before. She had faith. Eli told her that God would grant her petition, and apparently, she believed him. The Bible records it this way:
“Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.’ And she said, ‘Let your servant find favor in your eyes.’ Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:17-18
Faith changes everything. It doesn’t matter what our problem is or what we are going through, if we can get ahold of some faith concerning our situation, we can make it. Hannah had Eli, and we have a Great High Priest in the person of Jesus Christ. His promises to us are amazing and incredible. If we would study His Word, believe His promises, and place all our faith in Him, we will find ourselves experiencing transformation as well.
It is hard for me to comprehend Hannah taking young Samuel, the son God blessed her with, the son she wanted so desperately, to the priest and leaving him there to serve God. It reminds me of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, and God’s willingness to sacrifice Jesus – for me. But this is who He is, and this is what He does. So must we.
Maybe you are feeling down today, just as Hannah did. If so, be encouraged: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Psalm 42:11
