Weekly Reflection – Heard of God

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your request that you have asked of Him.” She said, “Let your bond-servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went on her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

— 1 Samuel 17-18

Hannah is a beautiful example of how the most unpleasant circumstances can produce a radiant character filled with faith and hope in a God that does not fail. Hannah’s story can be best described with the following words.

Sanctity—her devotion, trust, patience, and self-sacrifice caused her to be blessed of the Lord. Sorrow—although the Lord had “shut up her womb” and Hannah was grieved by her adversary, her stricken heart was still open toward the Lord, and she was never guilty of retaliatory conduct. Supplication—Hannah was childless but not prayerless. She petitioned the Lord and was no longer sad and heartbroken, but joyous and hopeful. Song—with her prayer answered, Hannah offered her gratitude to God in a poetic song of praise. This prophetic proclamation became the source of the Magnificat the Virgin Mary offered the same promise-keeping God centuries later (Luke 1:46-55). Sacrifice—Hannah prayed and promised, and when her prayer was answered, she kept her vow and dedicated her son to God’s service.