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Perseverance


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     The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2 is one of the most powerful illustrations of perseverance in scripture. Hannah knows she is called and chosen by God, but she finds herself surrounded by negative voices and complications to achieving her destiny.  Hannah was married to Elkanah, whom the Bible said loved her very much, but she realized she was barren, the most dreaded condition of that culture. Meanwhile, Elkanah took a second wife, Peninnah, who bore him many children.

     Peninnah provokingly caused Hannah grief as she speculated the reasons why Hannah was not special enough to have children. Hannah overcame as she ignored Peninnah. The voice of condemnation always comes from those who are jealous and insecure. Ignoring condemnation is the best remedy.

     Every year the family prepared to go to Shiloh to offer a bull as a peace offering in worship. During this time, Elkanah would give portions to Penninah and her children.  Then, he would give a double portion to Hannah, encouraging her to be content without children. Hannah overcame as she remained persistent to follow the truth in her heart. The voice of compromise always says to settle, learn to live with it, or don’t waste time trying to make things better. Never listen to compromise.

     Hannah may have been barren in the natural, but not spiritually. She made her way to the Tabernacle. She wept with anguish and bitterness of soul as she prayed to the Lord. In desperation Hannah vowed if she had a son she would give him back to God. Eli, the priest, criticized her for her behavior, accusing her of being drunk and wicked. She explained herself and God caused Eli to bless her.

     Hannah overcame by knowing God personally. The voice of criticism attacks who we are, but God’s favor on our lives will cause us to be blessed regardless of the criticism. Hannah dried her tears and was no longer sad. The next morning the family returned home. The Lord remembered Hannah and she bore a son, Samuel, meaning, “God hears.” She kept her vow and took him to the Tabernacle to grow up.

     Samuel became one of the most important people in all of Israel’s history.  He became a deliverer culturally, spiritually, and politically as a prophet, priest, and judge. He was the transitional figure that
established a functioning, productive, nation with a monarchy. Hewas so powerful that none of his words fell to the ground.

     If Hannah had listened to the negative voices Israel would have never had a Samuel.  Her desire to have a child became her destiny. Hannah went on to have three more sons and two daughters. Bible scholars reveal that each birth was a miracle; she remained barren. Some things in life may never change, but they cannot limit what God is capable of doing. God is not limited.
    
     “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). The use of tongue in this quote is a metonymy, in which one word stands in for another. It refers to the spoken word. Words have the potential to encourage or discourage. Negative words intended to tear you down should always be rejected.
     
      Isaiah 53: 5 says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Chastisement is defined as severe criticism. Christ overcame severe criticism and the power of death to give us peace and life. He is always for you.

Beth Bailey

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