Hannah was a devout woman who was mercilessly provoked by Peninnah, a rival wife. Hannah was distressed about her barrenness, and Peninnah seemed to take great pleasure in reminding Hannah of her inability to conceive. After Hannah earnestly sought the LORD in prayer, God caused her to conceive and give birth to a son. Hannah had promised to "lend" her son to the LORD's service all his days, and she made good on her word.
I find wonderful the joyful prayer of Hannah after giving birth to Samuel, knowing she had consecrated him to the LORD. God answered her request and removed her reproach, and she rejoiced to give her weaned son to serve in the tabernacle. It is common for people to make promises to God and when He has made good they waver to do their part. Not so with Hannah: she found peace and rest in the God who answered her prayer, and as hard as it must have been to leave her little son behind at the tabernacle in care of the priests she did so with gladness - when Samuel was her only child. She did not know if she would ever have a child again, but she praised God with her whole heart. Years later by His grace God provided an additional three sons and two daughters to her who was once barren.
Hannah concluded her prayer extolling God in 1 Samuel 2:9-10, "He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed." Having trusting in God, Hannah found herself protected by Him. He had also silenced Peninnah's cutting remarks. The proud had been brought low, and the humble had been lifted up. Hannah's praise exalted the majesty and strength of God, for He alone is able to break His adversaries. When we see people speaking lies and deceit against God and His wisdom, it is easy to lose heart. But knowing God is mighty and the Judge of all provides rest for our souls. In God is strength, and those who trust the KING OF KINGS need not fear any man.
The line which ministers most to me today is, "For by strength no man shall prevail." Many of those in the world who approve wickedness appear strong, influential, and incapable of overthrow. When Christians stand for righteousness, it seems we cannot prevail against the onslaught of perversion, deceit, and lies the world favours over God's truth. But by strength of numbers, power of government, or strength of deceit none will prevail over God. For a season Peninnah spitefully boasted of her fruitfulness and Hannah's impotence, but God caused a day to come when the opposite was true. Hannah did not boast in her abilities, but in God and His strength. For all who grieve over the darkness of our day and the impossibilities which loom before us, insurmountable obstacles we cannot overcome alone, God will show Himself strong. It is in Jesus Christ we find comfort, strength, and rest for our souls. As He was meek in this world so ought we to be, trusting in Him and seeking to do His will. It is He who will trample down His enemies, and let us praise Him.
I find wonderful the joyful prayer of Hannah after giving birth to Samuel, knowing she had consecrated him to the LORD. God answered her request and removed her reproach, and she rejoiced to give her weaned son to serve in the tabernacle. It is common for people to make promises to God and when He has made good they waver to do their part. Not so with Hannah: she found peace and rest in the God who answered her prayer, and as hard as it must have been to leave her little son behind at the tabernacle in care of the priests she did so with gladness - when Samuel was her only child. She did not know if she would ever have a child again, but she praised God with her whole heart. Years later by His grace God provided an additional three sons and two daughters to her who was once barren.
Hannah concluded her prayer extolling God in 1 Samuel 2:9-10, "He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed." Having trusting in God, Hannah found herself protected by Him. He had also silenced Peninnah's cutting remarks. The proud had been brought low, and the humble had been lifted up. Hannah's praise exalted the majesty and strength of God, for He alone is able to break His adversaries. When we see people speaking lies and deceit against God and His wisdom, it is easy to lose heart. But knowing God is mighty and the Judge of all provides rest for our souls. In God is strength, and those who trust the KING OF KINGS need not fear any man.
The line which ministers most to me today is, "For by strength no man shall prevail." Many of those in the world who approve wickedness appear strong, influential, and incapable of overthrow. When Christians stand for righteousness, it seems we cannot prevail against the onslaught of perversion, deceit, and lies the world favours over God's truth. But by strength of numbers, power of government, or strength of deceit none will prevail over God. For a season Peninnah spitefully boasted of her fruitfulness and Hannah's impotence, but God caused a day to come when the opposite was true. Hannah did not boast in her abilities, but in God and His strength. For all who grieve over the darkness of our day and the impossibilities which loom before us, insurmountable obstacles we cannot overcome alone, God will show Himself strong. It is in Jesus Christ we find comfort, strength, and rest for our souls. As He was meek in this world so ought we to be, trusting in Him and seeking to do His will. It is He who will trample down His enemies, and let us praise Him.
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