................................................................................................................................................
.
Tony
Evans
The story of Hannah is
one that many of us can relate to.
We’re in a difficult
situation, yet, despite our persistent prayers, it doesn’t get better.
In biblical culture,
bearing children for a woman was critical because they would be the ones to
care for you.
So not
only did Hannah bear her own internal shame and pain, but Peninnah “would
provoke her bitterly to irritate her.” (1 Samuel 1:6)
Hannah’s pain drove her
to tears – so much so that she was accused of being drunk at the temple when
she was crying out to God for a child!
She worshiped the Lord
even though her persistent problem worried and distressed her.
She would watch as those
around her enjoyed their children and rested securely in their futures.
I suspect you’ve been in
a position like this as well.
The problem wasn’t that
the situation got worse – nothing changed for Hannah.
Doubts most likely crept
into her head if her husband would continue to love her.
Even though her situation
didn’t change she put her trust, hope and belief in God.
The point to this story
is that Hannah persevered year after year – overcoming her worries through both
prayer and worship.
God knew her pain and His
silence must not be perceived as inattentiveness or lack of involvement.
God was bringing Hannah
to the point where she was willing to give back to God the very thing she
wanted most – her son Samuel.
The only way Hannah would
be moved to this place of surrender was through her painful barrenness.
Hannah promised the Lord
that she would give Him Samuel if He would open her womb.
He did and she kept her
vow and God blessed Hannah with five more children. (1
Samuel 2:21)
If there is something
specific that you are worried about – consider going to the Lord and willingly
give it up or give it back to Him.
Friend, if there is
something specific that you are worried about – consider going to the Lord and
willingly give it up or give it back to Him.
Oftentimes, He is waiting
for you to trust Him before He will move.
It is far more important
to Him to fulfill His purpose and plan in your life than to fulfill your whim.
Dr.
Tony Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship
in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative and author
of over 100 books, booklets and Bible studies. The first African American
to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he has been
named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World by
Baylor University. Dr. Evans holds the honor of writing and publishing the
first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. His
radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on over
1,400 radio outlets daily and in more than 130 countries. Dr. Evans’ sermons
are also streamed and downloaded over 20,000,000 times annually.
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