Grace-Filled-Moments : H is for Hannah (Women of the Bible)

H is for Hannah.

Scripture Reference:

1 Samuel 1; 2:1, 21

Meaning of Name:

Gracious; Graciousness; Favor

Family Connections:

Hannah was the favorite wife of Elkanah and the mother of Samuel who became a prophet and was the last judge of Israel. She also had 3 other sons and 2 daughters who are not named in the Bible.

Interesting Facts About Hannah:

Hannah was unable to have children because the Lord in His sovereignty had closed her womb.
Her sorrow was inconsolable.
She poured out her soul in prayer to the Lord for a son.
Hannah made a vow to God to dedicate her son to Him if He would answer her prayer.
Hannah prayed so passionately to God in the tabernacle that Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.
She was blessed by Eli after humbly explaining that she was not drunk, but praying to God.
Hannah left the tabernacle after praying with her countenance changed.
Hannah's womb was opened by the Lord in answer to her prayers.
Hannah's husband, Elkanah, stood with her in the vow she had made when he could have voided it (See Numbers 30:6-8).
Hannah fulfilled her vow to God when she, along with her husband, took Samuel to the tabernacle after he was weaned.
Hannah visited her son at the tabernacle every year.

What We Can Learn from Hannah:

As hard as it may be, we can come to the place in our lives where we are willing to surrender to God what is most important to us.
Peace can be experienced in our acts of surrender.
When we surrender our heart's desire to God, He doesn't leave us feeling empty, but fills us with His joy.
Only God can satisfy our deepest desires.
Take refuge in the Lord through prayer concerning our sorrows.
Leave our burdens at the foot of the cross; do not pick them back up.
Praise God for prayers that He has answered.
Keep the promises you make to God.
Teach our children to love and serve God.
Respond in humility to false accusations made against us.