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I Samuel 1:1-18 – It seems that Hannah’s defining characteristic was her inability to bear children. Surely this was a great grief for her.
Elkanah loved her, and gave her a double portion. He saw that she was hurting. Yet he seemed to be insensitive, asking her if he was not better to her than 10 sons!
God has given us natural desires, such as Hannah’s desire for a child. Scripture promises that God will not withhold anything good from us.
Psalm 84:11 – Why does it seem that God withholds good things from us?
God is working toward an end much bigger than our own… His plans are so much bigger. This doesn’t mean He doesn’t care. He invites us to cast our cares upon Him.
In the end we must trust the goodness of God.
We may need to wrestle with these desires just as Jesus did in the garden. There are two directions we can go: become broken and surrendered to God’s will, or become bitter and pursue our desires apart from the blessing of God.
Hannah chose to take her disappointment and desires to God, trusting His heart for her. It was a lament that still believed God heard.
God hears.
When God withholds something good, it is to replace it with something better. Our response must be surrender.
Hannah’s vow was a moment of surrender to God, entrusting Him with her greatest desire. She gave Him a gift that she had not even received.
God does not withhold from us because He enjoys our suffering.
Instead of self-pity, she went home rejoicing as she left Samuel at the temple. Her prayer had been answered. Her desire had been granted in God’s timing for His purposes.
Luke 11:9-13 – Ask, Seek, Knock…