Hannah's Story : Desperate but Not Defeated
#nevergiveup
Have you ever been desperate for something to change?
Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1–2:10 is of a woman whose heart ached for a child. Year after year, she prayed to God with deep longing. But her pain was made worse by the taunts of Peninnah—her husband Elkanah’s other wife—who had children while Hannah had none.
Still, Hannah did not give up.
A Prayer from the Depths of Her Heart
Another year came, and Hannah made the journey to Shiloh with her family. But this time she lingered in the temple longer, praying with a fervour she had never shown before. She promised God that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to serve Him all his life.
God saw her tears. He heard her prayer. And that year, Samuel—whose name means “Heard of God”—was born.
Hannah kept her promise, bringing Samuel to the temple to serve God. Her heart that once wept in desperation now overflowed with praise.
Lifting Your Eyes Above the Noise
There will always be voices of doubt and discouragement—just as Peninnah’s words were for Hannah. But those voices don’t have the final say.
One day, after hearing upsetting news about a loved one’s medical diagnosis, I went for a walk. Standing on a hill overlooking the ocean, my attention was caught by a noisy group of crows in a nearby tree. God spoke to me through that moment: I could keep listening to the “crows” of bad news, or I could lift my eyes to the vast horizon—a reminder of His greatness and power.
When we look up to the God who made heaven and earth, the noise of fear and doubt fades away.
Scripture to Hold On To:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2
Reflection
What “crows” in your life are distracting you from seeing God’s greatness?
Like Hannah, what is one desperate prayer you can turn into a promise of devotion to God?
Are you willing to keep circling in prayer until the answer comes, even if it takes time?
Prayer
Lord,
When I am desperate and the waiting feels too long, help me to stay in faith like Hannah.
Silence the voices of discouragement and doubt, and lift my eyes to see Your greatness.
Give me the strength to keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting that You will answer in Your perfect timing.
Thank You that You hear my every prayer.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Much love,
x Linda
#NeverGiveUp #KeepLookingUp