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4 When Elkanah sacrificed, he passed helpings from the sacrificial meal around to his wife Peninnah and all her children, 5 but he always gave an especially generous helping to Hannah because he loved her so much, and because God had not given her children. 6 But her rival wife taunted her cruelly, rubbing it in and never letting her forget that God had not given her children. 7 This went on year after year. Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite. 8 Her husband Elkanah said, "Oh, Hannah, why are you crying? Why aren't you eating? And why are you so upset? Am I not of more worth to you than ten sons?" 9 So Hannah ate. Then she pulled herself together, slipped away quietly, and entered the sanctuary. The priest Eli was on duty at the entrance to God's Temple in the customary seat. 10 Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried - inconsolably. 11 Then she made a vow: Oh, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, If you'll take a good, hard look at my pain, If you'll quit neglecting me and go into action for me By giving me a son, I'll give him completely, unreservedly to you. I'll set him apart for a life of holy discipline. 12 It so happened that as she continued in prayer before God, Eli was watching her closely. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. 14 He approached her and said, "You're drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!"15 Hannah said, "Oh no, sir - please! I'm a woman hard used. I haven't been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God. 16 Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long." 17 Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him." 18 "Think well of me - and pray for me!" she said, and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant. 19 Up before dawn, they worshiped God and returned home to Ramah. Elkanah slept with Hannah his wife, and God began making the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked. Dedicating the Child to God 20 Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, "I asked God for him." (1 Samuel 1:4-20 The Message Bible)
Dear Friend, praise be to God for the surgery that was finally performed on my brother-in-law, José Armando Rosales, on Tuesday afternoon. The surgery went well and Armando is a bit groggy as he is in recovery. Please continue to pray for him and his recovery. The doctor said it was a clean break and only screws were needed to repair the injury. Armando expects to be in the hospital for a couple of days. We just spoke with him on the phone. Thanks be to God!
Dr. Hunter Thompson was the inventor of what he calloed, Gonzo Journalism. An online source defines it in this way: "Gonzo journalism is a style of journalism that is characterized by the reporter's involvement in the story to the point where they become a central figure in the narrative. Unlike traditional journalism, which aims to remain objective and detached, gonzo journalism often blurs the lines between fact and fiction, with the reporter's personal experiences, emotions, and opinions becoming integral to the story." Dr. Thompson, and for the record, he was not a doctor in any sense of the word; he bought a Doctor of Divinity diploma from the back pages of Rolling Stones magazine and proudly used the title for the rest of his life. And I say all this because he said that when he was stuck for a story or a way to start one, he would rely on the Holy Bible for inspiration. And no wonder, with a story such as the one we just read. It's got intrigue, mystery, awe and wonder, and an underlying theme that only God can understand at points; and the ending just blows us away!
There is a family, yes set in those times and with the accepted cultural things of that time, like multiple wives. The husband is a man named Elkanah, and he has two wives, Penninnah and Hannah. In the race for the number of kids named for either, Hannah is winning. The names, by the way, have different meaning; Peninnah means "prolific" and "fertile," as we read in the intro to the story; Hannah means "favored," and "grace." Keep that in mind as we continue our journey. Though modern televsions shows might call them "sister wives" but they were not; "rival wife" is more like it. Penni loved to torment Han by reminding her that "God had not given her children." "Thank you, Penni!" NOT!
Hannah's story is one of profound struggle and unwavering faith. She experiences deep heartache and humiliation, yet in her distress, she turns to God in prayer. Her desperation does not push her away from God; instead, it drives her closer to Him.
Hannah's prayer is a powerful example of vulnerability before God. She doesn't come with polished words or grand gestures; she simply expresses her heart's cry. This honesty invites us to reflect on our own prayer lives. Do we approach God with our true feelings, or do we hide behind a facade of strength?
In our modern world, we often seek instant gratification. We want answers now and solutions at our fingertips. Yet, Hannah teaches us about the beauty of waiting and trusting in God's timing. After years of barrenness, she not only receives a child but also experiences a transformation within herself. God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect, but they are always for our good.
Hannah's commitment to dedicate Samuel to the Lord illustrates the importance of surrendering our gifts and blessings back to God. What are the gifts in your life that you need to offer back to God?
PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the example of Hannah, whose faith and dedication inspire us. Help us to come to You with our burdens, knowing that You hear our cries. Teach us to wait patiently for Your perfect timing, trusting that You have a plan for our lives that is far greater than our own. As we receive blessings, may we remember to dedicate them back to You and use them for Your glory. Strengthen our faith as we navigate our challenges, and let us find peace in Your presence. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Thank You for the example of Hannah, whose faith and dedication inspire us. Help us to come to You with our burdens, knowing that You hear our cries. Teach us to wait patiently for Your perfect timing, trusting that You have a plan for our lives that is far greater than our own. As we receive blessings, may we remember to dedicate them back to You and use them for Your glory. Strengthen our faith as we navigate our challenges, and let us find peace in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr
