honor

Proverbs 31 Women [Explained]

8:30 AM

You can read Proverbs 31 here:


 "An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls." v.10

I think most women deem the Proverbs 31 Woman as an unattainable goal. I know I did until The Holy Spirit prompted me to stop looking at these verses literally and begin to find the deeper meaning, and it's my prayer that when we're through today you'll find her secret is one that's open and attainable to each of us.  

Let's begin in verse 29, "Many daughters have done virtuously and well, but you excel them all." WoW! That's quite a statement when you consider Miriam, who led the Israelite nation's women to praise God (Ex. 15:20-21), or Ruth, the epitome of faithfulness (Ruth 1:16), or Hannah, the ideal mother (1 Sam. 1:20) .... Imagine for a moment that you, yes you, possess the ability to out shine all the women mentioned in the Bible! 

You absolutely can if you possess her secret.  

BUT, before I let you in on her secret to outshining all women, let's look at all her qualities, or virtues that together make her so special. 

_ She's a Faithful Bride
1"The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],
And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life." - Proverbs 31:11-12
Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her... Proverbs 31:28

(For those of you who are single, remember you are first and foremost Jesus' bride.)

_ She is  Faithful to Use the Gifts God has Given Her Wisely
"She looks for wool and flax
And works with willing hands in delight." - Proverbs 31:13
She is made out to be a wealthy woman and could afford to hire others I believe, but she chooses to work diligently applying the gifts God has given her and not leaving her tasks to others.

"She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];
She brings her [household’s] food from far away." - Pr. 31:14
She is like the merchant ships in that she goes beyond her own immediate neighborhood, and bring her food from afar, buying in the best markets and finding the best deals. She is on the lookout for God's BEST.

"She considers a field before she buys or accepts it ;
With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard." - Pr. 31:15
We may not all be in the market to purchase fields, but what if the writer was using a metaphor very similar to what Jesus did when He was teaching? What if the "field" was a new ministry? And she was careful to consider all aspects of this new ministry before she accepted the challenge? She sought God's wisdom and will in order for it to become profitable. 

_ She is Faithful to Rise Early to Find and Share "Spiritual Food" for Those Under her Authority.
"She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and assigns tasks to her maids." -Pr. 31:16
Call me crazy, but I believe here is another metaphor in this chapter. I believe this verse is speaking about rising early and spending time with Jesus before the rest of the household wakes to find spiritual food from The Bread of Life to share with all those under her authority along with skillful guidance.  

_She Takes Care of her Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health
"She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong." -Pr. 31:17

She takes care of herself. I know that seems pretty simple, but often much easier said than done, however we all would do well to make time in our day to keep physically, mentally and spiritually fit. 

_ She is Busy About Her Father's Business
"She sees that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead]." -Pr. 31:18

19 Many think this pour woman never sleeps, but Jesus told His followers that they were the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14-16). She keep close accounts with her Lord and her light (her witness) burns brightly in the darkness and she ready for what is to come. 

"She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing]." Pr. 31:19

2"She does not fear the snow for her household,
For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]." Pr. 31:21

Here again, we need to look beyond what is written to see the true meaning, for snow and wool are: pure, bright white. White represents purity. When Isaiah says that the Lord can change our sins from scarlet to snow or wool, he is saying that the Lord can do something that is impossible for us to do on our own.

Therefore, what verses 19 and 21 are speaking of is that she does not fear for the future of her household (both the physical and spiritual condition of those in her authority), for she's worked to clothe them in God's finest.   

22 "She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]." - Pr. 31:22

Purple we know to be the color of royalty and pure fine linen is what the saints in heaven will be dressed in according to Revelations.  Her household is heaven bound. 

"She looks well to how things go in her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness." Pr. 31:27

_She Gives to Those in Need
"She opens and extends her hand to the poor,
And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy." Pr. 31:20

_ She is Strong and Confident Standing on Her Rock
"Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]." -Pr. 31:25

She not wishy-washy or wringing her hands. She is strong, confident and free from doubts, not in her own abilities, but in her Lord's!
26 
"She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]." -Pr. 31:26

And she leads other to do the same!

_ And She is Praised by Those Who Know Hew Best
27 
Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
29 “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.” -Pr. 31:28-29

Her Secret is found in verse 30, Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.

Did you catch it? The "reverent worshipful fear of the Lord", which is the beginning of all Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) is the key to a life which is valued by God, her husband and those who come after her. That life is far more valuable than rubies or pearls (Pr. 31:10) AND it's ours if we choose to take hold of it! 

Blessings, 

sue

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for joining us on this journey this fall, studying the lives of some of the most popular Old Testament women! I pray you have lots to take with you and meditate on. Have a wonderful Holiday season celebrating our Savior this year!!  

Esther

Lessons From Esther

7:30 AM

Esther's story can be found in the Book of Esther and I pray you'll be blessed by reading it this week. 


 The story of Esther is an amazing drama filled with irony, violence, and strong characters so that even Hollywood has decided her story is worth making movies of.  Esther was an orphan who rose to become a queen, and in the end, Esther, along with her uncle Mordecai, succeed in saving the entire Israel nation from destruction.

Esther is why the Jewish nation celebrate the Jewish holiday, Purim, which actually means “to cast lots” and refers to how Haman decided what day he would have the Jewish nation slaughtered (Esther 9:23-26).

God’s name is never mentioned in The Book of Esther, but His sovereignty is evident throughout the book and I hope you’ll take the time this week to study Esther’s story for yourself, but for now, I wanted to mention a few  reasons why I feel her story is an important one. 

  1.) God tends to uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!

I've mentioned this before because it continues to ring true, yet many of us often feel we aren't qualified when called and even fail to answer the call! 

Esther lived in a time when the nation of Israel was living in captivity as a consequence to their disobedience to God. She was an orphan who had been adopted by her Uncle Mordecai. Other than her beauty, she was not unique in any way. In fact, they were Jewish- minority race that was frowned upon, so her uncle advised Esther to conceal her race when she is taken into the palace.  

But God uses her to fulfill His plans and save the entire nation of Israel. The key here was that she was willing to submit to His will and go when and where He called her and so should we. 

Two verses I like to remind myself of often when called to take a step of faith are:

"Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it." - 1Thes.5:24

"For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13 AMP

(These two verse are ones I often remind myself and others of.)

2.)  With God’s help, we can step out in faith and fight our fears!

Esther was a Jewish woman who became the wife to a powerful king. No one, not even the queen, was to approach the king without being asked. And, remember, that King Xerxes had an evil member of his cabinet, Haman, who had already convinced the king to kill all of the Jews. Can you imagine the fear she would be feeling?

Her first reaction was hesitation. She did not want to approach the king, but she placed her fate in God's hands by requesting the people to fast and pray for three days and then bravely approached the king. We too would be wise to remember the Lord reigns and place all our doubts, fears, anxiety- our lives in His hands. 

3.) Loving others is the most beautiful testimony of our love for Jesus.

Jesus reminded us when He paraphrased the Torah and said that love is the greatest commandment. Loving God and loving others. (Matthew 22:36-40).

 Esther knew this to be true when she said “ I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16).

 She willing risked her own life to save the lives of many.

While there may not be many of us who would be faced with this type of situation, I pray that, if a situation arises, that I would call on God and be willing to risk my own life to save others, for “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

(And it doesn't necessarily have to be our life, but our time, our desires, our own interests, etc. for others.)

4.) Our lives and actions in God's hands can impact future generations.

When Esther stepped out and spoke to save the Jewish people, she couldn’t have known that she would be impacting generations to come. Her courageous and selfless act has been celebrated ever since.

What is God calling you to do right now? 

  • It could be - raise the children I have given to you.
  • Teach a Sunday School class
  • Feed the hungry
  • Minister to your neighbor
I remember God asked me to split our family's dinner with our neighbors because the wife was bedridden at the time. It was not a huge burden to me at the time, and I was happy to do it, but God used those meals to bring that family to Jesus and they have since taught and ministered to countless others over the years. I tell you that, not to cast light on my good deed, but on God! Only He could have known the rippling effect those meals would have on so many. 

Only God!   

 For we will never know how our one small act of loving others can make an impact on many. 

Blessings, 

Sue


Faith

Lessons From The Shunammite Woman

8:00 AM

 Her story is found in 2Kings 4 & 8.



O Girls! I am so EXCITED, for we have finally made it to the one woman I've been longing to write about this whole semester!! And we don't even know her name! We wouldn't even know of her at all if it hadn't been for Elisha, but she is a woman worth celebrating and emulating in our lives. 

She is only know by the town in which she lived: Shunem. You may remember the Shunammite woman (Mrs. S) as the one who offered a room in her home to the prophet Elisha. Her story, found in 2 Kings 4 and 8, is an incredible example of the Christ-like character qualities we should all strive for.

So let's jump and in and discover exactly what is worth celebrating and emulating in each of our lives.

She was a giver.

“One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.” (I Kings 4: 8)

Shortly after providing meals for Elisha, she goes to her husband to ask if she can do even more, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us he can go in there.” (2Kings 4:9-10)

Imagine that for a moment. Mrs. S gave abundantly from her wealth. She didn’t stop at an occasional meal, but generously provided Elisha with lodging when he passed through her town. BUT, and here's the key, she didn't just provide any old room in her home, but had one built specifically for him with comfortable furnishings that he was free to use whenever he wished.

I know that Jesus has asked all of us to go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41) and tells us again, "To whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48), but how many of us would go to this extent? What kind of heart must you have to give this generously?

I want to give like Mrs. S.

She is insistent and gracious when offering hospitality.

One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.” (I Kings 4: 8) 

In other words she didn't take no for an answer. The word for urged here is the same one Paul uses in Acts 16:15 to describe Lydia's hospitality to Paul and those traveling with him, “she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’"

It was customary to offer hospitality to traveler in their culture, but Mrs. S understood the game of deference people play when a generous offering is given, so instead of being swayed by Elisha’s hesitancy, she graciously insisted he take it.

She was intentional about being intentional when it came to offering Elisha hospitality, and assured him that she was very sincere in her desire to provide it.

Are we this sincere when we offer a gift of hospitality in our home? Is our heart all in?

I not only want to offer hospitality, but I want to make it easy for others to accept it.

She offered what she could to support God's ministry.

Mrs. S recognized that Elisha as God's minister, (Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. -v.9)

And wished to offer what she could to support both this man and God. Her ministry would be to support Elisha's ministry.

Not all of us are called to go off to the mission fields, or even teach, but we can help lift the burdens of those who are. What Mrs. S offered made Elisha's work easier by providing meals, comfort, rest, and fellowship. And by doing so, she affirmed that Elisha’s call was important.

I long to be one who recognizes the call of God on others and offer my encouragement and support.

She sought to serve others in the midst of suffering.

One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there.  He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him.  Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’”

She replied, “I have a home among my own people.”

 “What can be done for her?” Elisha asked.

Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.”

 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway.  “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.”

“No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” (2Kings 4:11-16)

When Elisha wanted to give back to her in return for her hospitality, he promised her a child, but her response was “No, my lord, O man of God; do not mislead to your servant.” (v.16) Mrs. S had been childless in a day when we know that could bring shame upon a woman. We can see her pain and longing for a child in her response.

BUT, the fact that Elisha was unaware of her barrenness, reveals that her personal suffering had not prevented her from serving others. In the age of victim-mentality that we live in today, Mrs. S is a great example of not allowing our pain to hinder serving and supporting others.

We each have the same choices; we can either focus on being a victim or a victor in the midst of our own suffering, and I have to wonder... have I allowed my emotions to dictate at times what I will or won't do for others. Have I used my pain as an excuse?

I do also understand that there are some victims of suffering who are unable to serve others at times, but I do want her selflessness to be true of me even in the midst of my struggles.

She exhibits tremendous faith in the midst of her deepest pain.

But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her. The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers.  He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.”  After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.”...

When he saw her in the distance, the man of God said to his servant Gehazi, “Look! There’s the Shunammite! Run to meet her and ask her, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’”

“Everything is all right,” she said.

 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me why.”

 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. Don’t greet anyone you meet, and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

 But the child’s mother said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.

 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.”

 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch.  He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. ... The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

 This is so powerful I couldn't leave this passage out! Pause a moment and look at her faith in the midst of loosing her son. O to possess such faith that nothing would deter me from seeking God even when all seems hopeless. 

She is not afraid to speak boldly and plainly before the most powerful man in the land.

The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, “Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done.”  Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land.

Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.”  The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. (2Kings 8:4-5)

We may never have the opportunity to speak before powerful and influential people like a king, or rulers of our country, but I pray I will possess these same gifts to speak to my neighbor, friend, family member; anyone who is seeking the truth and never shrink back whenever the opportunity arises.

So, what do you think about this amazing women known only to all as "the Shunammitte woman"? I pray her life will impact all of us so that we will long to possess these same qualities she possessed in abundance.

Blessings,

sue

Abigail

A Lesson From Abigail

9:00 AM

 



_Have you ever felt the sudden shock of betrayal and wondered why, or how could they have done that?

_What have you done with those who seem to have rejected you and followed after more favorable pursuits? Did you let them go?

 Until recently, I’ve been guilty of all the above. That is until the words in Matthew 5:9 began repeating in my head: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons/daughters of God.” 

I went back to have another look at what is often referred to as the “Beatitudes”. They’re found at the very beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5) Jesus opens up with these, not only to gain His listeners attention I believe, but also because they were so important, for they are at the very heart of God!

The Amplified Bible defines the word, “blessed” as "enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions". Just imagine enviable joy and happiness no matter what the circumstances you find yourself in.

A “peacemaker” is both a maker and maintainer of peace, which means to be a peacemaker takes work! It’s an active role more than a passive one and a title that fits well on Abigail.

The story of Abigail begins in 1 Samuel 25, during a time when David and his men are fugitives running from King Saul, and have been helping Nabal's servants and expect Nabal to offer some kind of payment for their kindness and service. 

However, Nabal, who is described as “surly and mean,” insults David’s servants, saying, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?” He denied their request for food, and when David learns of it he becomes angry and decides to kill Nabal and all his men. 

David gathers 400 men and heads toward Nabal’s camp. BUT when Abigail, who is described as a beautiful, intelligent woman who was in an arranged marriage to Nabal learns of this, she quickly gathers the food supplies and loads them on a donkey and heads out to meet David in hopes to stop the confrontation that is about to happen. 

When Abigail meets David she falls down before him and offers him gifts of wine and grain and pleads with him to show mercy, “Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means fool, and folly goes with him.”

Abigail’s words and actions save the day. David thanks Abigail for stopping his own foolish and rash decision to slaughter Nabal’s men. In fact, David knows that Abigail’s intervention was a blessing from God and he sends her home in peace.

There is so much more I'd love to add about Abigail. We really don't know much about her, but her actions truly do speak volumes! I only have time to share a few thoughts, but I hope you'll add your thoughts as well in the comments. 

Abigail's actions convey to us that:

1.) We should Never Allow Fear to Keep Us from Doing What We Know is Right in God's Eyes. “Abigail lost no time…” (1 Samuel 25:18))

I know some might argue that Abigail went over or around her husband rather than submitting to his wishes, but in doing so she saved many lives.  Abigail showed great wisdom I believe in acting quickly, swiftly, and speaking honorably to David. She took control of the situation that was potentially dangerous for them all. She didn’t just sit wringing her hands and blaming her husband; she knew what the right thing was to do and she acted even risking her own life.

2.) We should always be humble and kind, seek peace from those around us. “When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you, hear what your servant his to say…” (1 Samuel 25:23-24)

 Abigail had the courage to shoulder the blame for something she wasn't responsible for, and God used that moment to show David how wrong it would be to take revenge. 

3.) We should remember that our words and actions can be very powerful when we go with God. “Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the Lord’s battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling.” (1 Samuel 25:28-29)

4.) We should also remember we are never alone. God will always fight the battle for us if we allow Him to. David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.” (1 Samuel 25:32-33)

God wins and is glorified when we look to Him and step out in faith. 

I don't know the struggles you are facing at the moment, but I do know we all face them from time to time and often when we are faced with difficult battles, we may feel abandoned and all alone; as though no one cares. But that's not true; God is always with us, ready to lead us through His Spirit of wisdom and discernment; blessing us with His strength and grace, and reminding us that with Him nothing will ever be impossible. 

I want to encourage you today to keep following His leading. Keep pressing in close to His presence. Keep looking to Him and don't give up. He is faithful!
He will give you the grace you need for each day, and the power you need to walk through the most difficult of times. Your journey together is not over yet! He is able to bring greater beauty and strength through every hard moment. And your sisters are here to help you through our prayers.

Blessings, 
 Sue 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once again my post didn't end the way I intended when I started writing, but I believe it's exactly the way the Lord intended it to end. If we can be praying for you during this time, I pray you would let us know in the comments. 

Believe

Lessons From Hannah

9:00 AM

 Hannah's Story is found in 1Samuel 1:1-2:11; 2:18-21




Her name means, “Graciousness” or “favor”. (Hasn't it been neat to see how the women’s names so often fit their character and the situation?) And Hannah will also reveal a new name for God! She is the first to use this name for God, but certainly not the last, in fact God, Himself uses it to refer to Himself twenty-two times in the book of Malachi alone. 

Hannah’s story is not new to us, we’ve seen others in her situation. The difference in Hannah lies in how she chose to handle and deal with the trials she faced. Hannah was a woman who turned to God, who trusted God, and one who could give back to God her most precious gift she’d been given from God. How could she do it? It’s a question that haunts not only mothers but most others even today. Let’s see if we can find Hannah’s answer. 

The story opens with a major problem found in 1 Samuel 1:2, "He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none."

We already know how God felt about taking more than one wife “the two shall become one flesh’. How can that be when there are three? But it was still common practice back then, especially among the wealthy. After all a man had to have sons and if his first wife couldn’t produce them, than a second wife would. 

"Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.  But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb.  Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.  Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” - (1 Samuel 1:4-8)

Most likely Hannah was Elkanah’s first wife and Peninnah was taken after Hannah was proven to be barren. Hannah was the one Elkanah loved,(v.5) but Peninnah had all the children(v.4). Which brought about envy, jealousy, strife, etc. among the women. Where have we read about this before?

 Have you ever been in a situation like Hannah? The longings, all the “if only's”, wanting something so badly, yet being helpless to bring it about. Desiring something so much that it robs you of any and all joy?

Have you ever had someone like Peninnah in your life before (1 Samuel 1:6)? Someone who might have something over you and just loves to rub your nose in it? What do you think motivated Peninnah to do that?

And how should we handle that type of situation?

 Notice in verse 7 how long this had been going on. Is Elkanah any help (v.8)? What impact did the reaction of those around you have on your situation?

 Look where Hannah turned when no one seems to understand Hannah’s grief,

Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house.  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 1:9-11 emphasis mine)

Jehovah-Sabaoth-

 When there seemed to be no other recourse, when all hope was lost, the children of Israel came to know God as Jehovah-Sabaoth; the LORD of Host. David was another famous person who called Jehovah-Sabaoth when facing Goliath in 1 Sam 17:45-47, 

            Did you catch Hannah's bargain with God in her prayer?

She promises never to cut his hair. (Look to Numbers 6:1-5 for more details on that.) Samuel will be the last of the judges to rule the nation of Israel. Most Nazarites were dedicated to the LORD for just short periods of their lives. Samuel, like Samson was dedicated for his entire life time.

 When Hannah finishes praying it is obvious that she is at peace. She is full of faith; trusting God will answer her prayer, so much so that she can rise and go about her day. And Jehovah-Sabaoth did answer her prayer! 

In chapter two we see Hannah rejoicing as she keeps her promise as well. Let’s look these verses over carefully and find some truths about our God that Hannah brings to light.


Did you find Hannah’s secret? How was she able to keep her promise to God, and give her son back to God? I think the answer may be found in 1 Samuel 1: 25-28, "When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli,  and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord.  I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there."

BUT, nobody can ever out give God! Look in verses 2:20-21,

Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home.  And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

I love Hannah's story. It is so important for so many reason, but here are just a few takeaways I found right away and I hope you'll share yours.

1. We need to take our burdens to the Lord, for there is where we will find 

  • Our peace, for He is the Prince of Peace and He promises a peace that will beyond even our own understanding (Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Grace – As we leave our burdens with the Lord, His grace becomes evident. Notice that nothing had changed in Hannah's life except her countenance once she went to the Lord. He promises His grace will be sufficient even in the darkest circumstances. (2 Corinthians 12)
  • Joy – He restores our joy even when the circumstances around us don't change, our perspective does! I believe Hannah could have written this in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” 

2. It is important to keep our vows made before God, made to God.  If you make a promise in the midst of your requests – keep it!  Our Lord has never gone back on His promises and neither should we.

I hope you'll share your thoughts on our study of Hannah as well!

Blessings 

sue