If you have ever wanted something so bad and you know someone who can give that to you, the first reaction would be to go and plead with the person who has possession of it to give it to you. For example, in our study of Rachel, we realized that she so much needed a child that when Rueben brought mandrakes (known for fertility power), Rachel willingly allowed her sister Leah to have Jacob for the night in exchange for the fertility plant. People are willing to go the extra mile to get what they really want. If you do not know the pain of such people, their actions might look “stupid” to you. Until you get to that position of need, you might not desire to go an extra mile. Our study of the wives of Elkanah revealed that Hannah was mocked by her rival Peninnah because Hannah was childless. If there was one thing Hannah desired and would go the extra mile for, it was to have a child. Hannah was bruised emotionally and no amount of love from Elkanah could replace the pain she felt. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11) Such deep anguish might have reflected on her demeanor. In 1 Samuel 1:8, we noticed that even her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” Elkanah truly loved Hannah and cared for her but what Hannah really needed was a child. Her rival kept provoking her until Hannah wept uncontrollably. “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11). All Hannah wanted was a child but in her anguish she prayed that if God gives her the son, she would return that son to the Lord. This kind of vow could only come from a woman with a bigger need. Hannah’s heart was not just to get the son and use him to reply to her rival’s taunts. Hannah’s request was to have a son who will be dedicated to God. She identified her need for a child and she was also aware that the word of God was rare during those times. If she gets a son, then that son could be God’s instrument to communicate to the people. In other words, Hannah is satisfied and the work of God is done. Hannah might have discerned that if God’s work needs to be done, then God should give her a son to do that work. This son will satisfy Hannah’s heart desire and also accomplish the work of God. Hannah’s prayer was so intense that the priest mistook her for a drunk woman. “As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” (1 Samuel 1:12-14). Hannah’s response to Eli the priest was this: “Not so, my Lord, I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” (1 Samuel 1:15-16). Upon hearing this, Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:17). Hannah said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.” (1 Samuel 1:18). After pouring her heart to the Lord, Hannah’s demeanor changed. She found something to eat and her face bloomed. Hannah knew that God had heard her heartfelt prayer. As we go through Hannah’s life, one thing stands out. She knew that only God could satisfy her need for a child. Unlike the women before her who looked for alternatives, Hannah went to the Lord in prayer. She did not complain about her situation and how that has affected her life. She told God that I need a son and You need a prophet, therefore give me a son who will be Your prophet. Hannah committed to ensure that the son is dedicated to the Lord. God looked at her, this was a different woman. She knew the right buttons to touch to get God to move in her favour. She was not selfish but ready to give the only son back to God. Whenever we pray for our greatest need, we should consider how the answer to our prayer would fit in God’s bigger story. How would my prayer request advance the kingdom of heaven? Would the answer to my prayer fulfill a kingdom need? What commitment am I ready to make to ensure that the answer to my prayer becomes an answer to the nations? Hannah needed a son, God needed a dedicated servant. They all had needs. Hannah’s approach to this was; “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
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