Today we will learn from a woman who was extraordinary in facing the trials of life, her name was Hannah. Hannah faced an extraordinary test, because God was preparing her and wanted to use her.
If we know that God has a wonderful purpose behind the trials we face, then we will face the trials with the right attitude, as James said: Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4-NASB). Hannah proved that God's Word is true and trustworthy.
Let's see what happened in Hannah's life and how she experienced the truth that God promised when facing life's trials. In 1 Samuel 1 we are told that Hannah was one of the wives of Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. (v. 1). Elikanah's other wife was Peninnah. One of the things that makes Hannah’s heart sad is that she has no children and Peninnah has children.
And it is said in the Bible that Peninnah always provokes Hannah bitterly to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. We can imagine that such a family must be very unhappy. Elkanah knew that Hannah was not happy and tried to comfort her by saying: “Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you not eat, and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” (Verse 8). Does such comfort make sense? Apparently not, it seems that Elkana is not sensitive to the feelings of his wife. That’s a man, sometimes because he relies too much on logic compared to feelings, causing him not to understand what his spouse feels. Even if the same logic were applied to Elkanah, Hannah would ask back to him, saying, Elkanah, am I not better to you than having another wife and children. Why are you dissatisfied with me being your wife, why did you remarry? But Hannah didn't say that, she learned to be patient and endured everything.
Peninnah not only offended Hannah at home, but also when they were worshiping in the temple. Which made Hannah even more sad. We believe that no woman wants to be insulted, humiliated and dishonored all the time. I also believe that each of us certainly wants the integrity of love from our spouse, to get his/her full attention. But the problem that Hannah faces was something that already exists in her family, she couldn’t change or avoid it, she has to face it every day. Are you also facing pressure in your life, which you cannot avoid? Which will tempt you to be angry and sad? If you are tempted to follow the impulses of your emotions, then you will fall prey to the evil one, because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (I Pet 5:8).
What must we do to avoid falling into the snares of the evil one? Hannah set a very good example, she prayed. She prayed to the Lord in great pain and wept bitterly. With a surrendered heart she prayed: “Lord of armies, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your bond-servant and remember me, and not forget Your bond-servant, but will give Your bond-servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.” (Verse 11). She prayed with all her heart, only her lips were quivering, but her voice was not heard. So Eli misunderstood her, and thought that she was drunk. We can imagine the state of Hannah's heart at that time. If we put ourselves in Hannah's position, if we’re insulted, hurt, then misunderstood by our pastor, how will we feel? Maybe our anger will explode. But Hannah was so gentle and humble, and she replied with respect, “No, my lord, I am a woman despairing in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do not consider your bond-servant a useless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.” (Verses 15-16).
God loves a humble person, even though Hannah was said to be barren, because God has closed her womb, but because of her humility, God grants her request. Praise God, how amazing is His love, nothing is impossible for our God, Praise God! Through Eli, God made His great promise: “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your request that you have asked of Him.” (Verse 17). Sometimes God allows trials to come upon us, because He wants us to grow and experience God's supernatural work.
What do we learn from Hannah?
First, when a trial comes to you, do not despair. Whatever trials you experience, no matter how helpless you are in dealing with them, believe that in the eyes of God, no temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Second, we must persevere in prayer. Perseverance in prayer enables us to be strong and patient in dealing with life's problems. Oftentimes, one of the things that causes a person to fail in dealing with life's problems is due to lack of perseverance in prayer. Just like Hannah, we too must bring all our pains to God, And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).
God was working in Hannah's life, Peninnah's actions did not drive her further away from God, instead brought her closer to God through prayer and submission, so that she experienced God's extraordinary work and intervention.
Maybe right now you are facing a problem that makes you feel sad and unspeakable. Tell God everything and wait for Him to work according to His timing and will. Amen!
