Whenever I come across Samuel’s story, I cannot stop wondering Hannah’s simple but powerful and focused prayer life. How could an uneducated woman who endured so much of pain, social shame can pray so fervently? How could she send her precious son to Eli during the early stages of his childhood knowing Eli’s sons’ reputation?
The story of Hannah and Samuel offers many important practical lessons for modern day’s parenting; especially when it comes to trusting God in raising children.
- Hannah turned to God when she went through affliction
- She offered thanks to God when her prayers were answered (2 Samuel 2: 1 – 10)
- She kept her promise to God, though she had the ‘excuse’ of Eli’s evil children. This shows her trust in God in all circumstances; she held firm on the Rock (1 Samuel 2:2) to raise a Godly son.
- Though he grew up with Eli’s wicked children, Samuel was ministering before the LORD (1 Samuel 2:18). And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people (1 Samuel 2:26)
- Elkanah and Hannah visited Samuel once a year; when she and her husband went up to offer the annual sacrifice, Hannah would always take along a little robe for Samuel. What an example of physical and spiritual parenting!
- Hannah was blessed by God beyond what she asked for; she asked for a son, but she was blessed by 3 sons and 2 daughters.
In this wicked world we have limitations in parenting. We cannot stop child abuses, bad friendships, bullying, drugs, school shootings...... but like Hannah we can cling on the Rock who is limitless.
May God help each one of us to pray fervently for our children and lead a life faithful to Him. God bless!
The most valuable thing which any parent can do for their child is to give Him Jesus. If we do that, our children will be blessed in their life. They will learn to live a victorious life in daily struggles of life. Blessings
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