God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. We can be assured that it is something good though it usually is not easy. If we allow Him, God will use our pain to accomplish something great. Such was the case with Hannah. The Almighty Deliverer had a plan for reverse her state of barrenness and provide her with a son . But it didn’t stop there. His plan was to change the world and he used the sweet faithful heart of Hannah to accomplish it. Here’s the rest of the story.
Let’s look at Hannah’s son Samuel. We know that he was raised by the High Priest in the temple in Shiloh as a Nazarite or one who is holy unto the Lord. It involved training and discipline as described in Numbers 2. The New Testament equivalent is found in Romans 12:1-2:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
And so it was that Samuel grew up in the temple separated from the evil influence of the secular world. But his story was just beginning in the temple.
What about you? Are you ready to make that divine appointment with God and start pouring out your heart? Maybe God is looking for another desperate heart. Is it yours?
Journaling prompts 1. Hannah moved from barrenness to fruitfulness when she put her trust in God. Describe a time in your life when God has done the same for you.
2. If you made a divine appointment with God, what request would you make of Him to be birthed into your life? Describe it in detail.
3. After you describe your request to God, thank Him in advance for answering your prayer. Add this to your journaling today.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to learn from Hannah, a great Old Testament woman of faith. I pray that your life will be richly blessed as you faithfully follow her example on how to draw closer to the God of great lovingkindness. May you always turn to Him as your defender and mighty shield. (based on Psalm 144:2)
Let’s look at Hannah’s son Samuel. We know that he was raised by the High Priest in the temple in Shiloh as a Nazarite or one who is holy unto the Lord. It involved training and discipline as described in Numbers 2. The New Testament equivalent is found in Romans 12:1-2:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
And so it was that Samuel grew up in the temple separated from the evil influence of the secular world. But his story was just beginning in the temple.
- Samuel grew up to be one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history (see 1 Samuel 3). He was in fact a judge of Israel and ruled over the country between the time of Joshua and King Saul. He restored law, order and worship in the country of Israel.
- As a representative of God, Samuel annointed Saul as the first King of Israel and also King David. This was a pivotal time in Israel’s history.
- Samuel was mentioned in the New Testament in the “Hall of Faith” passage of Hebrews 11:12. This is evidence of the impact he had in history because Hebrews was written by the Apostle Paul hundreds of years later.
What about you? Are you ready to make that divine appointment with God and start pouring out your heart? Maybe God is looking for another desperate heart. Is it yours?
Journaling prompts 1. Hannah moved from barrenness to fruitfulness when she put her trust in God. Describe a time in your life when God has done the same for you.
2. If you made a divine appointment with God, what request would you make of Him to be birthed into your life? Describe it in detail.
3. After you describe your request to God, thank Him in advance for answering your prayer. Add this to your journaling today.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to learn from Hannah, a great Old Testament woman of faith. I pray that your life will be richly blessed as you faithfully follow her example on how to draw closer to the God of great lovingkindness. May you always turn to Him as your defender and mighty shield. (based on Psalm 144:2)