Lifted From The Dunghill

TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 2:8 (KJV)

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them."

A DUNGEON OF BITTERNESS

Hannah was barren. Her co- wife Peninnah had children. Hannah's barrenness was a constant source of misery as Peninnsh taunted her and made her life unbearable. Even in the temple of God, Peninnah was unrelenting. She provoked Hannah to the extent she detested food and wept bitter tears. This happened year after year after year. Her womb bore no fruit as the Lord closed it. Shiloh became a dungeon and dunghill for her (1 Sam 1:1-7).

Whatever in your life that makes people mock you, the mighty hand of God will touch you and erase your tears. He will give you victory over your mockers in Jesus name.

A SACRIFICIAL VOW

Hannah did not stop going to Shiloh because of Peninnah's provocations. Many Christians today would have stopped going to church. She took her bitter tears to the Almighty God and left them at the altar. Year after year this continued until one year she got so sick of her miserable condition and made a vow to the Lord upon the altar of Shiloh. The desire of her heart; the priceless gift she sought became the object of her sacrifice and vow to God.

"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'" (1Samuel 1:10-11NIV).

LIFTED FROM THE DUNGEON

The God of heaven heard her, opened her womb, silenced her mocker and erased her tears. She not only gave birth to Samuel but six other children. The God of heaven raised Hannah from the dust, lifted her from the dunghill and through Samuel caused her to inherit the throne of glory. She became the mother of the leader of Israel. The Lord will silence you mockers. He will lift you up above your enemies. He will turn your barrenness into fruitfulness in Jesus name.

Hannah praised God so exultantly in 1 Sam 2:1-10; it was a fitting tribute to the Almighty God who rains thunder from heaven upon those that oppose him. Her joy knew no bounds. "...Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning"

(Psalms 30:5). Wipe your tears, joy is on the way. Your heart will rejoice in the Lord, he will strengthen you and give you an answer for your mockers. You will smile over your foes in Jesus name.

PRAYER:

Father, let my mouth boast of your goodness over my mockers. Raise me from the dunghill and lift me unto my seat of glory in Jesus name.

CONFESSION:

I will smile over my mockers.

God bless you. Shalom.