“Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk.” 1 Samuel 1:13 NIV

THE STORY OF HANNAH

Recently, the Lord has been highlighting to me the story of Hannah. Married to Elkanah, she was one of two wives who was unable to conceive. To make matters worse, Peninnah had many sons and daughters. She would provoke Hannah for her barrenness, which only added to her distress. Silently, Hannah continued to pour out her heart to the Lord in her anguish. She silently prayed that if the Lord would grant her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord and to his service. The high priest, Eli, saw this and rebuked her for her drunkenness. There was a short dialog that happened next between Eli and Hannah as she explained her heartfelt desires. Once the situation was fully understood, Eli responded.

“Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17 NIV

The Lord looked upon her with compassion and opened her womb. She went from being barren and distraught to becoming the joyful mother of many children! Her prayers went from distress to joy!

“Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.”” 1 Samuel 2:1 NIV

THE LORD SEES YOU!

Many of you can relate to this story. Like Hannah, you have felt barren and in distress over many areas of your life. You have experienced the taunting of the enemy and even those who have been close to you. Even so, the Lord is looking upon you with kindness and favor as He did with Hannah. Like Hannah, you will see His deliverance!

YIELD TO ME

I hear the Lord saying, “Continue to yield to Me, for your next chapter is quickly approaching! I have seen your long standing desires. Like Hannah, I have watched you as you have poured out your heart’s desires and even wept bitterly at times. My child, I have not forgotten you! Man may have overlooked you, but I have had you hidden! I have been doing a great and deep work in you! Yes, the refining process has been painful at times. A gem of great price does not come that way from the river or rock quarry. It must be shaped, formed, and faceted on the grinding wheel by the master! I have been refining you and preparing you for the increase and the promotion that is quickly coming! Yes, it will be here sooner than you realize! Many are about to give birth to their promise! Lift your eyes, for your redemption and breakthrough draws near!”

“As previously spoken, what I am about to do for you will not come about by your own ability or striving. As it was with Hannah, she could do nothing in her own strength to conceive a child. Yet I, the Lord, looked upon her with compassion and favor! She went from being barren and feeling forsaken to becoming the joyful mother of many children!”

“He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 113:9 NIV

“Precious one! Refuse to give in to doubt, discouragement, or despair. I have heard your cries and I have not been deaf to your petitions. I am working on your behalf even now! I come to you with fresh grace and strength as you look to and yield to Me!” Yes, I am working. My mercy and grace are hovering over you. Cast not away your confidence! I am not slack concerning my promises to you. Surely, I will bring to pass all that I have spoken to you”, says the Lord of the fullness of joy!

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV