GOD TURNED HER CRIES TO A TESTIMONY

Post date: Mar 10, 2016 12:51:38 AM

Hannah had a happy time growing up as a lady but her joy turns to sorrows after marriage due to circumstances beyond her imaginations. She had a high hope and expectations; waited for that hope and expectation to be made real by her God; she believed in her God, loved her God, loved her husband, expected to have children soon and did loved having them around. Her expectation soon turned to fears and sorrows; delays, anger, mockery, shame and cries took over her entire life, thoughts and wishes. Personal meditation did not help her, comfort from her husband did not change her and could not give her what she expected from God; the activities of her husband’s other wife and children made life more painful; but despite all, she never stopped trusting God, never stopped looking unto Him, never stopped praying and never let go any of her expectations of breaking the yoke of barrenness and anger of not having children in life.

The scripture began the story of Hannah from a happy lady who married her desired husband at the right time, had a happy home until she realized her expectations of becoming a mother was not coming as she expected and the situation was becoming embarrassing and shameful. That single situation turned her life and marriage around; it become a disappointment, a shameful scene in her eyes and a mockery in the eyes of others, though her husband did not give a damn, Hannah was not satisfied with any explanation from anyone. But we are thankful her story did not end in that awkward way. Your story may be very painful to the ears of men and in your heart, but it is certain not to end that way as you follow Christ Jesus. Everyone has a story to tell and through grace, God will give you a sweet story soon despite the old one that had dominated your life all these years. There are no stories that God cannot change; no situations He cannot change and no individual who trust in Him that He will not be bless. He will change your story.  

In pains she was laughed and mocked; in cries she was called a drunk; in faith and prayers her tears were turned to blessing and promise she will definitely be a mother. “Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 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? 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. As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, how long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine. Not so, my lord, Hannah replied, I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief. Eli answered; Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him. She said, may your servant find favor in your eyes. Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 1 Samuel 1:3-18. Click here for prayer