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- Apr 25, 2006
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Hannah's Prayer
'The Lord... closed her womb.' 1 Samuel 1:5
Poor old Hannah - her medical records are known to billions of people throughout history. Her story of not being able to conceive is there for all to read in the book of 1 Samuel. More than anything, this God-fearing woman wants a child, but the story says 'The Lord ... closed her womb'. We get the sense that Hannah would make the best, most devoted, mother going - so why does God not give her the desire of her heart?
Well, because Hannah wanted a son but God wanted a prophet. It's almost as if God uses Hannah's desperation in order to get her attention; in order to draw her closer to His plans. Through these tough times, Hannah finds herself uttering words that lock into God's will: 'If you ... give me a son, I will give him back to you all his life' (1 Sam. 1:11 NCV).
By surrendering her greatest desire to God, a whole chain of blessings begins to open up. Yes, Hannah will get her son, and six more children too (1 Sam. 2:5). And the Bible will get one of its greatest prophets.
Often the picture is so much bigger than us. Is your heart longing for something or someone but the door seems tightly shut? You have two choices:
1) Allow your frustration to drive you away from God or,
2) Allow your situation to draw you closer to God. Which will it be?
written by Bob Gass
'The Lord... closed her womb.' 1 Samuel 1:5
Poor old Hannah - her medical records are known to billions of people throughout history. Her story of not being able to conceive is there for all to read in the book of 1 Samuel. More than anything, this God-fearing woman wants a child, but the story says 'The Lord ... closed her womb'. We get the sense that Hannah would make the best, most devoted, mother going - so why does God not give her the desire of her heart?
Well, because Hannah wanted a son but God wanted a prophet. It's almost as if God uses Hannah's desperation in order to get her attention; in order to draw her closer to His plans. Through these tough times, Hannah finds herself uttering words that lock into God's will: 'If you ... give me a son, I will give him back to you all his life' (1 Sam. 1:11 NCV).
By surrendering her greatest desire to God, a whole chain of blessings begins to open up. Yes, Hannah will get her son, and six more children too (1 Sam. 2:5). And the Bible will get one of its greatest prophets.
Often the picture is so much bigger than us. Is your heart longing for something or someone but the door seems tightly shut? You have two choices:
1) Allow your frustration to drive you away from God or,
2) Allow your situation to draw you closer to God. Which will it be?
written by Bob Gass
