Focal Passages: 1 Samuel 1:10-20, 27-2:1; 12:23-24
This Mother’s Day lesson centers on Hannah’s prayer for a son and how prayer and hope work together. Mothers are generally hopeful over what the future will bring in the lives of their children. Hannah would be no exception, yet she was barren. She lived in an era when raising children into adulthood was pivotal for social status, for extending one’s family line, and for supporting an agrarian economy. Hannah likely faced daily ridicule because of her barren womb. She was grieved that she had no heir to give her husband. Her sadness did eventually give way to hope.
Hannah prayed to the Lord knowing He can turn disappointment into joy. She cast all her cares upon Him. Hannah’s sadness seemed to disappear quickly (v. 18). God did bless Hannah with a son, Samuel, who became a great leader in Israel. Phillips Brooks once said, “Pray the largest prayers. You cannot think a prayer so large that God, in answering it, will not wish you had made it larger! Pray not for crutches but for wings!”
We all face times of doubt, little hope, and sometimes misery. Joyful living is found in daily turning to and resting in the Lord. In actuality, we “control” very little in our lives. Hannah had sorrow as she thought her predicament was incapable of change. What changed? She let go. Her foundation of hope was built through her prayers to God. She built a legacy of hope for generations.
At times God allows us to enter a time of disappointment so that we will recognize our need for Him. He is gracious to continue to shape us for our best and for His plans. God’s plans are always bigger than our dreams! Hannah released control over her barrenness and turned it over to God. This time, God gave Hannah her heart’s desire. Are you in a time of disappointment now? What “unchangeable” situation have you grieved over as Hannah did? Was it really unchangeable? Let’s leave a legacy of hope for the next generations by praying to God regularly.