In the book of first Samuel, we read a remarkable story of a broken woman named Hannah. Hannah was the wife of Elkanah. Elkanah had two wives , One with Children, another one without Children.
I don’t imagine how hard it would be for Hannah, hearing mocking words from another wife of Elkanah and telling him that she can’t carry your heirs, she is not your favourites one, I am, because I gave birth child for you. Hannah was tired of those words, but she didn’t stop praying and pleading with God for a son. Years after years, Hanna was going to the temple of the Lord, pouring out her heart to Him. Can you imagine? You pray and pray nothing happens? I suppose many of us been there and know how hard it would be not to hear from God. The Bible captured the last answered prayer of her for us :
And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”1 Samuel 1:11 NLT
Those words were so powerful and known for Hannah. He was praying day and night. The point is here we ask God so many things but not to return to Him; we want to keep them eventually. But, if we reread Hannah’s prayer. She prayed, “I will give him back to you“. Are we willing to give back to God what’s belong to Him? By asking these questions, we reach the point that God hears our prayer. God indeed hears our prayer. Hannah gave his vow that she will dedicate her unseen-yet son to the Lord. You keep trusting and praying that seems for others meaningless. The priest of temple, Eli told Hanna ” throw away your wine”. Could you give them the reason for your belief? Tell them ” don’t think I am a wicked person, for I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.”
” the Lord remembered her plea”
He will remember our plea in due time.
” in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.” 1 Samuel 1:16, 20 NLT
Ask the Lord for your needs; ask the Almighty one who can grant your request in no time. Your needs are not old in the eyes of Him, they might look like unanswered ones, but God answers them in due time one by one. God hears even we think He doesn’t.
Hannah said :
“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request.”
1 Samuel 1:27 NLT
In other words, the Bible tells us, Hannah asked and received; you give it a try!He hears us.
Now, we received the promise, it is time to give Him back, Our praise and worship to Him:
“Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshipped the Lord there.”1 Samuel 1:28 NLT
What do you need to ask God again? Keep asking, don’t give up. He hears you.
Written by Dariush Youkhaneh
Friend, I hope Day one of 14-day immersing in God’s word blessed you. If this post blessed you, share it with someone today, leave a comment; I’ll be pleased with your word of encouragement. Be with me for 13 more days.
You are awesome 
What a great 14-day study you are doing in response to your pandemic lockdown. When my country went into serious lockdown more than a year ago, I found that the lockdown gave me just the time and space I needed to become closer to God in ways I’d been seeking for years. But “I never had enough time” before that. Well, God gave me the time, and I gave that time back to Him. I developed some habits that I will probably continue for the rest of my life, including the habit of getting up early in the morning so I can devote the first 2 or 3 hours of every day to God. I spend it reading the Word, praying, sometimes just being with Him in silence and marveling at the awesome universe He created. I love my early morning time with God now, and can’t imagine starting the day any other way any more.
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What an awesome example , that is great, you just found an incredibale, life changing habit of spend time with God. Most of us , including me finding hard to wake up extra early in the morning to talk with God , to develop the inner closeness with Him. I hope this pandemic turn to an opportunity for all of us as you did. Changing miserable to Miracle times required faith and commitment. Thank you for bringing your testimony to us , Man, I am blessed , my soul rejoice in this that my family in God seeking His face everyday. God bless you and keep you safe. Please make us bright with your comment more. Peace and love with you dear.
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