Sharing Transformational Insights
159
Sorrow in the midst of celebrations
“And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” 1 Samuel 1:4-5, 11 KJV https://www.bible.com/1/1sa.1.4-5,11.kjv
There are certain situations in life that emphasize how bad the situation of a person facing challenges is. Unfortunately those times tend to be generally categorized as celebrations for most people. Such was the case of Hannah. The yearly ceremony when everyone when up to offer sacrifices to God was typically a time of celebration for most people. Only that it was the time when Hannah got a ‘worthy’ offering to compensate her while her adversary Penninah got offerings for herself and all of her children. It was a time to taunt Hannah whether directly or indirectly. But on this occasion in the today’s Bible reading, Hannah had had enough of the compensation portion laced with reminders of her limitation. She made a move that was recorded in the spiritual such that the priest recognized her and prophesied that her answer had come. If only God could just give her one son, she would not be bringing him yearly to sacrifice with his ‘allocated portions’. He was going to be the offering, dwelling in the house of God and serving him all of the days of his life. The rest is history. The son came and others too after the sacrifice. This means different things to different people but the key here is that the constant reminder of her pains was to become a constant reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness. What is that thing that is causing you pain? Yield it to God intentionally and watch him come through for you. Prayers: Dear Lord, thank you because you are always faithful. I yield my challenges and pains to you to use it as a symbol of your glory in Jesus name 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾