"And Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord, I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:1-2
In a world where God's voice was not known, Hannah emerged as a woman of deep faith. Her sadness of heart and constant prayer life contrasted sharply with the corruption in worship that was led by Eli's wayward sons.
Hannah's personal life was one of despair in her infertility, all the while battling with Peninnahs (her husband's second wife) mocking rivalry. She pled for the blessings of a son that she might present him to the Lord's service.
It is quite obvious she was cherished and adored by her husband, Elkanah, but even the devotion of a husband's love could not override her longings for a child. She made a pact with God through tearful pleadings that if He would give her a son she pledged to give him back to God. He honored her request.
Hannah's faith was rewarded, and her son was named Samuel (meaning; "Heard by God") because she asked for him from the Lord and He heard her prayer (1 Sam. 1:20). According to custom, it is thought that she probably nursed him several years, giving time for her to express to Samuel her own spirit of deep reverence and godliness and to also strengthen her heart with his through maternal bonding. Hannah kept her word to the Lord and with a beautiful prayer of faith (1 Sam. 2:1-10) she placed him in the care of Eli the priest. This was truly an act of saintly sacrifice.
Hannah's commitment was to God, her gift being that of her precious son, and through that she planted the next generation just as promised. Samuel grew up to become the last judge and the pivotal spiritual leader who turned the nation toward Yahweh. Hannah played her part in this spiritual awakening as she trusted God, leaving an example of determined devotion in her motherhood.
I love you & He loves you more!
Dear Lord, Thank You for the example of total and complete devotion from Hannah's life to You. She stands as a strong reminder of how we should never stop coming to You with the desires of our heart and placing it at Your feet. May our faith be as strong. In Jesus' name. Amen.
I am celebrating my one year anniversary today with Country Roads. I am so thankful for God leading me down this path and bringing to my memory beautiful pictures of my past, however near or far in my life they are.
When I started this blog I thought I would try it for a year and even though I don't think the Lord is finished with it yet starting next week it might look a little different. My prayer is always that I will point you to our Savior. Thank you, my girls, for encouraging me to do this and thank you to everyone else for your support in visiting here each day. Love, Kim