The Faith of Hannah

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 I Samuel 1:27 “For this child I prayed, and the LORD granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” NKJV


We talked about women to emulate and imitate in an earlier post. Hagar, although a

maidservant and a pawn, sought and found the God-Who-Sees. Another Old Testament woman that has impacted my life is the opposite of Hagar - Hannah, a beloved wife.


Hannah was a much loved but barren wife in a society where a woman’s worth was measured in the children, she blessed her husband with. Her husband (as was the custom in that time) had another wife and children, but he held a special place in her heart for Hannah and always made sure she had a double portion. Hannah, while at the Tabernacle worshipping one year, made a vow to the Lord and pleaded for a child. She promised the Lord that if He blessed her, she would return that child to the Lord and it would serve Him all of its life.


Like, Hannah, I have been childless in a world where babies seemed to be everywhere. Although Hannah was the object of ridicule and speculation, I am glad that ridicule was not directed at me but the speculation was rampant. “Why don’t you guys start a family?” “Children are great, you really need one of these!” “You’ve been married how long??” Hannah took her situation to God (like Hagar) – how quickly she sought God we are not told. I, too, took my situation to God – unfortunately after all else failed! I fear I am more like Hagar than Hannah.


Hannah received her petition and Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets was born. In time, I too, received my blessing not once, not twice, but three times! When we were blessed with our first son, then 13 months later our daughter, and then 8 years later our final son, my joy was boundless! How my heart sang as Hannah’s did in I Samuel 2:1 “My heart rejoices with the LORD.”


Hannah and Hagar show us “modern Christians” what true devotion to the Lord looks like. Hagar sought and found the Lord. Hannah devoted herself to God’s will and her heart’s desire was answered. How much better to stop scheming and planning and bargaining with God and just simply seek and trust. The questions we need to ask ourselves in the 21st century are, “Where am I? Am I truly seeking God’s will or my own?” “Am I willing to trust God whether or not I get what I want?” If we are honest and give honest answers to the Lord, He will answer and He will be there – ready to do His will in our lives and answer our heart’s desire.

Ann Pace

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