“So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” 1 Samuel 1:18
Dear Ones:
Does God answer prayer? How do we know? In the story of Hannah, in 1 Samuel 1-2:11, we find a woman who had no children. Scripture tells us that, “…the Lord had shut up her womb.” (1:6) Elkanah, who was the husband of Hannah, also had another wife named, Peninnah. She had sons and daughters, but the Lord did not give Hannah a child. The result was that Peninnah became Hannah’s adversary, causing her to fret and be anxious about her state. Childlessness was not a great virtue in Hannah’s day, and Peninnah took full advantage of this fact by provoking Hannah when the family went together to Shiloh, to worship and sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts. As a result, Hannah, in bitterness of soul, wept before the Lord, and prayed. She vowed a vow, which confirmed her earnestness to be heard of God. Her prayer was for a son, whom she would consecrate to the Lord’s service all the days of his life. She poured out her soul before the Lord, that singular and purposeful supplication for a son. Eli, the priest at that time, misinterpreted the expression of her anguish of soul, as she prayed, but, realizing his error, would pronounce this blessing: “Go in peace and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him.” (1:17) It is in accordance with this word, and to this man, that she would respond: “Let thine hand maid find grace in thy sight.” (1:18) It is then that something changed. It was Hannah’s countenance. Something occurred in her heart and mind that changed her sadness into hope and joy. What was it? She KNEW that God had answered her prayer. Later she would declare to Eli, “For this child I prayed: and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.” (1:27) What are the lessons that we must learn from this story concerning God truly answering prayer?
The first thing we need to see is that God is sovereign in His dealings with us, specifically with us individually. Why did God “shut up Hannah’s womb,” so that she could not bear children, and yet, Peninnah, in very close proximity to her, was very fruitful? The answer lies in the purpose of God, and His means to realize that purpose. What was that purpose in a day when there was rampant spiritual decay in the nation of Israel? The high priest’s sons were immoral and ungodly. The visions of God, or rather, the revealed specific word of God was very rare. What would be God’s answer to save the people, the nation? Of all things, it would be a barren woman, and the birth of her son.
The second thing we need to see is that out the thirst of the soul, and bitterness, there results the intense and determined commitment of a woman to seek the face of God, and find it. She was helpless, and hopeless, from a human standpoint. Only God could come to her aid. What did He evoke in her that resulted in the birth of a son? It was prayer, prayer born out of a sorrowful spirit. It was prayer which expressed itself in the “pouring out of her soul” to God. This is the prayer that God hears, when it is sincere, and coming from the whole heart. Hannah wanted a son, but not only a son which would deflect the shame heaped upon her by Peninnah, but one that would be set apart unto God for His eternal purposes at that particular point in time. She KNEW God could be sought, and found, a God who answers prayer, if the prayer is according to His will and for HIs glory. How then did she KNOW that He had answered her?
Confidence in prayer comes with the knowledge of God’s will. It also comes by the witness of the God’s Spirit to the heart. He gives assurance and HIs peace. Hannah’s countenance changed because she knew God’s peace, the confirmation of prayer answered.
Dear Father, Teach us to pray aright. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad