A Song, a Son, and a Future

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
I Samuel 1:1-2:21

"Then she (Hannah) made a vow and said, 'O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.'" I Samuel 1:11 (NKJV)

God creates great DESIRE in our hearts. We feel like we will die if there is no fulfillment. In our desire and anguish, we cry out to the Lord. It seems as if we cannot go on unless God hears our prayers and grants our requests.

This is a very difficult place in which to live. We are powerless to bring our own answers. We cannot change the circumstances. We certainly have tried, but found it to be beyond our ability. In desperation, we cry out to the Lord. He, and He only, can bring fruitfulness. He, and He only, can grant our wishes.

It is as if God requires a death even before a birth! Hannah had to lay her son on the altar even before he was conceived. God created great desire in her heart. In the intimacy and passion of prolonged intercession, God broke open Hannah's heart. The result was a SONG, a SON, and a FUTURE. From Hannah's heart came an awesome hymn of praise. God granted a son, Samuel, who became one of Israel's greatest leaders. And Hannah was granted not just one son but three more sons and two daughters. "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalm 126:5)