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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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