Living in Limbo
Lessons Learned From Hannah
I Samuel 1
May 13, 2008 Pastor Carolyn Heacock
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I Samuel 2:12-13
“…the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests.”
I Samuel 1:1-5
“There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim… Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, while Hannah did not. Each year Elkanah and his family would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at the Tabernacle. The priests of the Lord at the time were the two sons of Eli -- Hophni and Phinehas. On the day Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the sacrifice to Peninnah and each of her children. But he gave Hannah a special portion because he loved her very much, even though the Lord had given her no children.”
I Samuel 1:6
“But Peninnah made fun of Hannah because the Lord had closed her womb.”
I Samuel 1:7
“Year after year it was the same--Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Hannah would finally be reduced to tears and would not even eat.”
I Samuel 1:8
“‘What’s the matter, Hannah?’ Elkanah would ask. ‘Why aren’t you eating? Why be so sad just because you have no children? You have me -- isn’t that better than having ten sons?’”
I Samuel 1:9-10
“Once when they were at Shiloh, Hannah went over to the Tabernacle after supper to pray to the Lord. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.”
I Samuel 1:11
“And she made this vow: ‘O Lord Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for His entire lifetime…’”
James 4:2-3
“…the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.”
Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 (NirV)
“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord.”
