Scriptural Reference: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
If you have spent any amount of time with me then you know that Hannah is one of my favorite biblical characters. Like Hannah, God shut up my womb for a season. My barrenness was not in the natural instead it was spiritual. I am a very gifted administrator, writer, and entrepreneur, but there was a season when God stripped me of it all. There was a season in my life that no matter how hard I tried, there was no fruit from my seeds. In fact, looking at me you would think I was a bum, and many did but they were wrong. I would pray for others and the manifestation would be instantaneous. This was not the case for my own personal prayers because those seemed to hit a wall. I could speak a prophetic word into another person’s life while never hearing anything from God for myself. I could write a manual or a book quickly but for whatever reason God say no to publishing or selling. I did not know why then but as Hannah teaches us, our tear-filled nights produce a great reward. Hannah cried many nights for a baby, but God still shut up her womb. She didn’t respond when she was ridiculed by Peninnah but still no answered prayer. To top it all off her Pastor accused her of being a drunk woman when she was praying. Talk about having a horrible season but God redeemed her season. He will do the same for each of us. This is where we find Hannah today, she’s rejoicing in God not solely because she had her baby. She was rejoicing because her faith had paid off with a reward. God had given her more than what she desired, she ultimately had six babies and her name was restored. Hannah was now able to walk around her neighborhood and not feel less than. She was finally whole. How about you? Do you relate with Hannah’s story? Don’t worry the same way he redeemed her joy he will for us all. This story teaches us all that our tear stained pillows were not futile instead it’s the tears that will produce a great harvest in our lives. No matter where you find yourself today my prayer is that you find joy knowing that God will restore you. God will exceed your expectations. In that time your joy will be overflow. Your joy will erase the pain of this season. You’ll see.
Meditation Questions:
- What areas of your life are you currently or have previously been barren?
- How can the story of Hannah increase your faith today?
- What does restoration look like to you?
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I praise you for being the God who restores. Praise you for hearing each one of my prayers and at your ordained time they will be answered. Thank you for being a God who does more than what I can ask. In Jesus Name Amen