Many of us are in a season of waiting. You may be looking for life to return to some sort of normalcy. You may be anticipating that job offer. You may be hoping to meet your future spouse. Though different for every person, it’s safe to say that this season has us in various stages of waiting. The question stands: how are you handling your season of waiting? Depending on the time-frame, you may find yourself discontent. Worry can set in as you question whether or not your prayer was even heard. Another equally important question is: what is God teaching you during this season? Nothing is wasted. God could be using your season of waiting to bring about something great. The story of Hannah illustrates someone who went through various stages in waiting for a son. In studying her, we can see how God brought about His purpose of one of the greatest prophets in the Bible.
Hannah desperately wanted a child. In those days, a woman who was barren was looked upon less favorably. Hannah received ridicule at the hand of Elkanah’s other wife who had many children. The Bible hints at the fact that Hannah is the favorite wife which likely fueled the resentment and teasing of Elkanah’s wife, Penninah. This caused Hannah distress for many years. Her sadness was so intense that she ate little food and cried often. Finally, one year she had enough. She lay before the Lord crying and praying so intently that the priest thought her to be drunken. Her great anguish led her to seek the Lord and pray a bold prayer for a son. The Bible said that as she left the temple, her countenance changed and she went home rejoicing. She knew her prayer was answered at day.
There are some points that I’ve overlooked despite reading this story many times. First, Hannah went YEARS without a son. It may seem like a trivial point, but years is a long time especially considering she was teased and disgraced during this time. This leads me to my second point. Her sorrow caused her to pray. Initially, I thought she had been praying for years and years. The Bible states it as though she finally had enough one year. Her anguish positioned her to seek God wholeheartedly. Lastly, the change in her heart posture allowed her to receive the promise as well as bring about God’s purposes. She was no longer distressed but left the Temple in faith and joy.
So, how are you waiting? Have you reached the point of hopelessness? God wants you to turn to Him. He’s not bothered by your emotions. We can come to Him with our frustrations and tears. He knows how long you’ve been waiting. He cares about all that’s happened during your desert season. Boldly come to Him with your petition. Then rejoice knowing that He heard your prayer.
Be encouraged! 😊
Scripture References: I Samuel 1:9-11, 18b (NLT) “Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut…Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.”
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