He (Elkanah) had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.1 Samuel 1:2

Hannah was set apart, but not in a way anyone would desire.

Being barren during this era was a disgrace upon women and considered a divine judgment from God. Her society viewed her as an unfit wife and misunderstood her predicament as God’s disapproval rather than seeing the panoramic view of God’s master plan.

In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11

There may be an impossible situation that you are facing right now and you have been weeping bitterly before God. You’re heart may feel like it’s in a million pieces and it seems impossible to ever feel whole again.

But, God Is Able

  • I know a God who can pick up the pieces of a broken marriage and put it back together again.
  • I know a God who can bring deliverance to a person overcome with shame and secret sin.
  • Depression is real, but it is not the will of God for you to be depressed. I know a God who will give beauty for ashes – the oil of joy for mourning – the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
  • We serve a God who can restore family relationships back together again, who still saves, heals, provides, and performs miracles.

Sometimes God sends barrenness your way to cause you to depend on Him.

If you read the rest of the story, God granted Hannah her request, He gave her a son. However, her years of hardship were not over, but through it all, she learned that God performs miracles and answers prayers. If He did it once, He’ll do it again. And, God will do it for you!

Prayer: Lord, I desire you to be my confidence and my help. When I am faced with an impossible situation remind me that with You, all things are possible. When I am weak, You will be my strength. I love you!

 

Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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