Scripture Reading(s)
1 Samuel 2:1-10
2:1 Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory.
2:2 “There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
2:3 Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
2:4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.
2:5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
2:6 The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
2:7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.
2:8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.
2:9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail.
2:10 The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed.”
Reflections
The story of Hannah is one of trial and then victory. While no man can really know why God did some things, such as making Hannah go childless for so long, I believe that Hannah’s bareness had a purpose. Perhaps, it was her longing for a child that put her mentally and emotionally in the position God needed her to be in. God already had a plan for Samuel. But in order for that plan to succeed He needed Samuel’s mother to also be ready for the life Samuel would live.
While we speculate about Hannah’s life we would do ourselves well to recall that God has a plan for all of us, just as He did for Samuel. Samuel was sent to speak God’s will over the king and ultimately the kingdom.
“God sent me to anoint you king over his people, Israel. Now, listen again to what God says.” (1 Samuel 15:1)
We will have unique roles to play just as Samuel and Hannah did. Some of us are going to be called to be parents. Some of us are going to be called to ministry in the church. Some will be called to serving the needy in unique ways. Some will be called to run Godly businesses. Some will be called to public service. No matter where we are called to we are all walking the path of divine purpose.
We are neither late nor are we early for the destiny that God has for us. Whenever we accept His calling we are right on time.
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
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