RTW April 9
Desperate Times Call For Desperate Prayers
Hannah was deep in anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD.
1 Samuel 1:10
My Takeaways
Something Old
Desperate times call for desperate prayers.
Something New
Hannah
- Prayed the same prayer without ceasing.
- Presented her bitterness God rather than allowing it to root and grow.
- Passed her pain on to God instead of taking it out on Penniah.
Something to Do
- Remember to pray.
- Remember to praise.
- Remember to honor my vow.
My Takeaways: Corrupt Priests
Something Old: The beautiful prayer of Hannah (1Samuel 2:1-11). Hannah was an amazing woman! She understood that this universe belongs to God, He is in control and says and does what he wants to do. Her pray reveals her thankfulness for His sovereignty. She kept her promise to the Lord (gave her son) and realized all that we have belongs to the Lord. What true faith Hannah had!
Something New: Eli had some very mean and wicked sons who didn’t know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). They used their priesthood (ministry) for their gain. They took the best of the offerings, took advantage of women, didn’t listen to what Eli told them to do and misrepresented the Ark of the Covenant. Eli, got so caught up in doing God’s work that he neglected his responsibilities of correcting and disciplining his own sons. He allowed them to continue to behave in their sinful ways.
So.ething To Do: Be careful not to allow wrongful actions to continue in my own family members. If I don’t have the courage and strength to correct and discipline those in my own family, I become as guilty as those who engage in the wrong actions. My family will suffer the consequences of my neglect.
I have experienced pain like Hannah’s in the past. I am experiencing the pain of waiting on a prodigal child now. I can relate to Hannah’s deep anguish.
Thank you, God, for holding onto us tightly when it hurts. I pray especially for all those who are struggling to have a child or those who are waiting for a child to come home. Both are very difficult places to be. May we all take our pain to God as Hannah did. Amen