Hannah: A Model for Many (I Sam. 1,2)
1. Brokenhearted: Hannah was barren since the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival, Peninnah, would provoke and irritate Hannah bitterly for many years. Only when the Lord allows us to become so broken are we fully able to realize how utterly dependent we are on the Lord for everything. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in the spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted." (Matt. 5:3,4)
2. Burdened and oppressed in spirit: Hannah cried openly to the Lord asking, "O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your maidservant and remember me but give me a son I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life and a razor will never come on his head." (I Sam. 1:10,11) Jesus told us that "If we abide in Him and His word abides in us then we can ask whatever we wish and it will be done for us." (John 15:7) Sometimes, we have to cry out to God in desperation and faith before the Lord will respond to our prayers. There has to be a persistence in asking, seeking and knocking before the door is opened to us. (Matt. 7:7)
3. Boundaries - God knew that setting the boundaries for Hannah was necessary to complete His perfect plan for her life. Do not be discouraged when God closes doors for you recognizing that He will find a way just in the right way and time. He did this for Paul by closing the door at Bithynia and He opened the door to Macedonia instead. This paved the way for the gospel to move to the western world.
4. Bigger than any problem - Hannah knew that God was higher and greater than any problem. She said, "There is none holy as the Lord. There is none like Him. Neither is there any Rock like our God." (I Sam. 2) Praise God that He is greater than any problem, obstacle or opposition that you will face. Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world. (I John 4:4) Be not dismayed whatever betides, God will take care of you and your need. Speak to the mountain, "Be removed and nothing will be impossible, (in the will of God) for you." (Zech. 4:6) (Luke 1:37) It is not by power or by might but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.
5. Blesser of Every Spiritual Blessing - Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Hannah said, "For this boy I have prayed and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord there." (I Sam. 1:26,26) We can praise God that He blesses us with every spiritual blessings from His heavenly places in Christ. (Eph. 1:3) They who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing. When we look to the Lord for our blessings, He gives everything we need according to His precious and magnificent promises. (2 Pet. 1:3,4) Hannah knew that God's blessings add benefits without any accompanying sorrows.
6. Breakthrough specialist - Hannah knew that God could bring breakthrough or blockages according to His sovereign power and plan. She prayed, "Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the Lord is a God of knowledge and with Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are shattered but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for bread. But those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven. But she who has many children languishes. the Lord kills and makes alive. He brings down to Sheol and raises up. the Lord makes poor and rich. He raises the poor from the dust. He lifts the needy from the ash heap. to make them sit with nobles and inherit a seat of honor. for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and He set the world on them. He keeps the feet of the His godly ones but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness. for not by might shall a man prevail." (I Sam. 1:3-9)
7. Bottom Line Judge - Hannah knew that God is the final judge of all that is good, noble and deserving reward. She said, "The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. and He will give strength to His king and He will exalt the horn of His anointed." (I Sam. 2:10) Let us remember that each of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. We should put away any fears of people as the sneers and criticisms of humans are insignificant in the face of God's judgments. Paul said, "I care very little what you Corinthians say for judgment is from the Lord."
8. Broadcaster - Hannah knew that the Lord would communicate His truth through true servants. "But the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest." (I Sam. 2:11) Samuel went on to be God's representative prophet and priest for all of Israel. God places godly people in powerful and influential positions of leadership to broadcast His plans, purposes and prevailing truth in every generation. The word of God is not bound.
9. Brings God presence - Hannah knew that unless the Lord builds the house, the labor in vain who build it. (Psa. 127:1,2) She prayed, "My heart exalts in the Lord. My horn (strength) is exalted in the Lord. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies because I rejoice in your salvation (deliverance, victory and triumph). David wrote, "In your presence is fullness of joy and in your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psa. 16:11) Hannah knew that when the Lord comes the tempters power is broken. When the Lord's presence is near the tears are wiped away. He takes the gloom and fills the life with singing, joy and fulfillment.
10. Breakthrough Specialist - Hannah knew that God alone breaks down barriers and removes the shackles that bind people. Jesus said, "If you continue in my word then truly you are my disciples indeed and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31,32) There is great freedom, liberty and innovations given through the Lord's ability to break through any hindrance to His will. If you are facing some kind of addiction, oppression or limitation remember to call on God to work His breakthrough powers for you. He does shatters barriers through the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
11. Bank - Hannah knew that God was the total resource or bank that contained all that she needed. Paul wrote, "My God will supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19) Too many times people hesitate to do great things for God because they do not think they have the resources. Hudson Taylor, pioneer missionary to China said, "God's will done in God's way will not lack God's support."
12. Bemoaner of Sin - Hannah lived in an era when the sons of Eli were very wicked. "Thus the sin of the young man was very great before the Lord, for the men despised the offering of the Lord." (I Sam. 2:17) God hates sin of every type in terms of the way people think, perceive, and act. We must learn to hate what is evil and cling to what is good being devoted to one another in brotherly love. Let us ask God to help us flee from that which is evil and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim. 2:22-24) Hannah lived and wrote in time when even the man of God Eli was not hearing from God yet she persisted in believing God for the impossible.
Hab. 3:17-19 says, "Though the fig tree should not blossom, yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."
