The Faith of Hannah

The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance of greater than 30 feet. Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall. Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see, and with faith we are freed from the flimsy enclosures of life that only fear allows to entrap us.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary describes “faith” as follows: belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.

Regarding the subject of faith, the Old Testament contains many role models for us to examine. There were great men of faith like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Daniel. Great women of faith such as Sarah, Ruth, and Esther also played important parts in the Bible, as well.

One such woman who is a wonderful role model for women of faith today is Hannah. She was the mother of Samuel, who happened to become one of the greatest prophets of Israel. If you are interested in more information regarding Samuel, his story is told in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel.

From just a simple reading of these first two chapters we can learn some important lessons about faith from Hannah. For example in 1 Samuel 1:1-8, we learn that women of faith endure real problems. In Hannah’s case, her womb was closed by the Lord (1 Samuel 1:1-5). And because her womb had been closed, her rival Peninnah kept provoking her for years. Think about how this must have bothered her immensely. Yet despite this, Hannah continued praying to the Lord for help. (1 Samuel 1:6-8)

What can we learn from Hannah? We understand that women of faith are not without problems in this life. The righteous often suffer (remember Job?) Similarly, Sarah suffered ridicule from her handmaiden Hagar (Genesis 16:3-5). Even so, we should not let others deter our trust in the Lord. Hannah could have used her misfortune and mistreatment as an excuse. But that didn't stop her from worshipping the Lord (1 Samuel 1:7).

Unquestionably, women of faith can and do have problems just like other women. What distinguishes them as women of faith is what they do when faced with their problems. To see what I am talking about, read 1 Samuel 1:9-18.

Scripture readings: Matthew 8:26; Matthew 15:28; Mark 5:34; John 3:36; Acts 16:31; John 16:27

Let's Pray:

Lord, I believe:
I wish to believe in Thee.
Lord, let my faith be full and unreserved,
and let it penetrate my thought,
my way of judging Divine things and human things.
Lord, let my faith be joyful
and give peace and gladness to my spirit,
and dispose it for prayer with God
and conversation with men, Amen.

Bless you,

Summer