This year I decided to step back from the endless scrolling on social media and focus on prioritizing my spiritual health. I want to ensure I am fully present and engaged in my relationship with God without distractions. It's been a game-changer, and I feel much more centered on God and at peace. I realized that the more time I spent scrolling, the less time I wanted to spend with my Savior in the sacred moments of prayer. Apathy secretly crept into the places of my heart where adoration for Jesus once soared. 

Have you been feeling this way too? Has life left you worn out and overwhelmed? Or you may feel unsettled in your current circumstances. Discover through the story of Hannah how patiently trusting God can renew our strength in difficult seasons. 

Despite Hannah’s difficult circumstances, her patience shines forth as she remains steadfast in her faith. She did not give up or become bitter but instead placed her hope in God and relied on his promises. Her faith was finally rewarded when God answered her prayers, and she gave birth to a son named Samuel. He would become one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history. Moreover, Samuel would anoint David to be king, and our Saviour would be born through his bloodline.

Through her example, Hannah teaches us the importance of patience and trust in God's plan, even amidst adversity. She reminds us that God is faithful and will answer our prayers in his time and in his way and that we should never lose hope or doubt his love.

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1. Hannah Had Patience in Suffering

The story about Hannah begins with Elkanah, a righteous worshiper of Yahweh. However, despite his righteousness, his family was not harmonious. Bitterness existed between his wives (Elkanah was a polygamist, meaning he had multiple wives). The shame of Hannah’s barrenness was tormenting, and her husband’s second wife, Penninah, would constantly criticize her. To fully understand Hannah’s heartbreaking situation, we must realize that fertility was an issue of honor for women in the ancient world, and ongoing infertility shamed them. Unfortunately, society was not compassionate toward their plight. In that culture, a barren wife was given a lower status in the community. 

Hannah’s struggle with infertility caused her great sorrow, leaving a void in her heart. Has someone ever labeled you based on your past or current struggle? Hannah reminds us that when the world ridicules or shames us, we can respond gracefully, knowing that if we are patient in suffering, we will see the goodness of God in our lives.

“There once was a man who lived in Ramathaim. He was descended from the old Zuph family in the Ephraim hills. His name was Elkanah. (He was connected with the Zuphs from Ephraim through his father Jeroham, his grandfather Elihu, and his great-grandfather Tohu.) He had two wives. The first was Hannah; the second was Peninnah. Peninnah had children; Hannah did not.” 1 Samuel 1: 1-2 MSG

2. Hannah had Patience in Prayer

Hannah was going through a tough time, feeling anxious and deeply distressed. Finally, after years of suffering, Hannah finally sought the Lord about her situation when the family traveled to Shiloh. Instead of retaliating against her husband and Penniah, she poured out her heart to God in prayer. And let me tell you, she was praying so intensely that the priest, Eli, mistook her for being drunk! But despite this misunderstanding, Hannah remained steadfast in her faith. She humbly explained to the priest Eli that she was not under the influence of alcohol but earnestly praying. Eli listened to her compassionately, blessed her that God might grant her request, and even offered to pray for her.

I think that's a beautiful example of how we can bring our worries and struggles to God in prayer and how God uses others to support and encourage us during difficult times. Of course, sharing our deepest concerns takes courage and vulnerability, but as Hannah's story shows, it can lead to incredible blessings and healing.

“Hannah said, “Oh no, sir—please! I’m a woman brokenhearted. I haven’t been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I’ve been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God. Don’t for a minute think I’m a bad woman. It’s because I’m so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I’ve stayed here so long.” 1 Samuel 1: 15-16 MSG

3. Hannah’s Patience Led to Perseverance and God’s Blessing

Upon returning to her home, God answered Hannah's request. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel. After weaning her son, Hannah fulfilled her vow and brought him to Shiloh in dedication to the Lord. When we are in the waiting seasons of life, we will either become discontent and dissatisfied or delight ourselves in the Lord (Psalms 37:4). When facing a waiting season, developing patience can be a challenging yet transformative experience. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and when we allow God to change us in this area, we can experience personal growth and transformation.

Rather than becoming discontent and frustrated with the wait, cultivating patience can lead to a deeper reliance on God and a greater trust in his timing. As we develop this character trait, we become more like Christ, who displayed patience and endurance throughout his trials and waiting periods.

So, during waiting seasons, choosing to delight in the Lord and develop patience will help us navigate the waiting period with peace leading to a life-changing experience that draws us closer to Christ. Did you know that after Samuel, Hannah had five more children? She had three more sons and two daughters. So, when we wait on God’s timing, his ways will bring forth his blessing. It may not look like what we had in mind, but it is always good. 

“Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, “I asked God for him.” 1 Samuel 1:20 MSG

Hannah’s story reminds us that our brokenness is welcomed in God's arms. It’s also a story that reminds us of how God comes to aid those in need. Although Hannah was alone in her pain, this pain drove her to the house of the Lord. Like many of us, she was powerless to change her situation, and God heard her cry and answered her prayer. God gives each of his children desires, but we must realize that we rely on him. Therefore, we must be willing to surrender our desires to him and be patient in his timing for our lives. God has a plan for our lives and wants us to be patient in prayer and persevere in our delight in him.

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