ESOCS Devotional 10 March 2022
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1-20
MEMORY VERSE: “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.”1 Samuel 1:10 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Hannah had been unable to conceive children, and in the Old Testament times, a childless woman was considered a failure. Her barrenness was a social embarrassment for her husband. Children were a very important part of society’s economic structure, source of labor for the family, and it was their duty to care for their parents in their old age. Elkanah was permitted to divorce her under civil law, but he remained lovingly devoted, and he faced social criticisms. But God’s plan for Hannah involved postponing her years of childbearing. Her case teaches us many lessons.
First, by supporting those who are struggling, we may help them remain obedient to God and confident in His timing to bring fulfilment to their lives. Secondly, rather than dwelling on problems, we can enjoy the loving relationships God has brought into our lives. Doing so will exchange self-pity for hope. Thirdly, like Hannah, we may have good reasons to feel discouraged, but instead of giving up hope, we should bring problems honestly before God. Again, each of us faces times of barrenness in our lives when nothing “comes to birth” in all spheres of life. It is difficult to pray in faith at such time. But prayer opens the way for God to work as Hannah discovered (1 Samuel 1:19, 20). The fifth is that, we must pay the vow we made before God in prayer. Finally, when we notice a behavior in somebody, we should not make a snap judgment like Eli did before knowing the truth. Such snap judgment kills morale. It can create enmity.
Earlier, the same Hannah whose condition devastated, now returned home well and happy. Why? (1) Honest prayer – v 11. (2) Eli’s encouragement – v 17. (3) She left the problem with God v 18.
- What challenges are you facing? What approach are you applying?
Tell God how you really feel and leave the problem with Him.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Psalm 55: 1, 2, 22; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 19:26
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ESOCS Devotional 10 March 2022
