In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” – 1 Samuel 1:10-11, NIV
Hannah was the beloved wife of Elkanah despite being barren. Elkanah had a second wife, a woman named Peninnah, who had several children of her own.
Each year when it was time for their family to attend the annual feast, Peninnah would taunt Hannah. She would bring up her lack of children and keep tormenting her until Hannah would begin crying.
As the feast was ending one year, Hannah went to the temple. There she prayed that God would grant her a child. She promised that if God did this for her, she would not consider the child hers but the Lord’s.
Later when God gave her a beautiful baby boy, Hannah held him close. She was with him night and day. Hannah never wanted him to leave her arms. She treasured each smile, coo, and kiss.
Then when her son was weaned, Hannah took him to the temple. She introduced the boy to the priest and explained that he was to be a servant of the Lord all of his days.
Hannah was faithful to God’s plan for her son’s life, even though it broke her heart to send him away. Sometimes, a mother must make a difficult sacrifice to raise godly children. But those sacrifices are never in vain, for God sees your faithfulness.
God, help me to be faithful like Hannah was. I want to raise godly kids who seek You. Please give me the strength to do that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
