Like so many women in the Biblical narrative, Hannah was unable to bear children. Her longing for a child, however, compelled her to go to God with a vow. If he would give her a son, she would give him back in his service. God granted her longing, and she kept her word (1st Samuel 1). What can we learn from Hannah?

•She did not give up her hope but continued pursuing motherhood relentlessly. Do we give up too soon when faced with challenges? Are we sometimes too shortsighted or even lazy to press towards a worthy goal? Do we lack the imagination to envision what could be, and so resign ourselves to what is?

•She held fast to her hope despite taunting & ridicule. Yes, she was taunted by Peninnah who was blessed with children, but who also provoked Hannah bitterly for her inability to do so. People can be cruel. They will sometimes kick you when you are down.

•She took her hope to God. She described her prayer, saying, “I have poured out my soul before the Lord….. I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.” It makes a difference when you verbalize your pain. Especially so, when the one you are talking with is God.

•She made a commitment. She was willing to pay a great price for what she valued. The most desired things in life don’t involve money, but rather things that money could never buy. She desperately wanted a son but was also willing to commit that son to God. An invaluable lesson for any parent.

•She followed through. God gave her a son, and she gave her son back to God. That little boy grew to become the man who anointed David to be king. It was then through David that God brought his own son into this world. Thank God for Hannah’s faith.

If you want a fuller picture, be sure to read Hannah’s song of thanksgiving recorded in 1st Samuel 2:1-10. You won’t be sorry.