18 August 2010
The Old Testament historical book of 1 Samuel opens with the story of one woman’s remarkable encounter with God, Hannah, wife of Elkanah. The Bible says Hannah was miserable being provoked by Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, because Peninnah had many children but Hannah was barren. Although Hannah’s barrenness was a burdensome weight to carry she continued to go up to the temple with her husband year after year to honor God.
Each year Elkanah would make an offering to the Lord and when he did he would give Hannah a double portion. On one hand Hannah was blessed, but on the other she had to live with the scorn and disappointment of not being able to bear children. It was in this desperate place Hannah made her request to God. She did not give up! Eli, the priest, blessed her and said “the God of Israel grant your petition”. Hannah received this blessing by faith. Scripture tells us that her countenance changed and her face was no longer sad. Before there was any evidence of her condition changing she found a release in prayer, and it showed on her face. God came through, and Hannah became the mother of one of the greatest, most accurate prophetic voices in the Bible, the prophet Samuel.
The lesson to us is that when we are faithful to our convictions we are not just going through the motions. There is God who is being honored and He will reward openly. We need a “face change” at times. Lose the sour look of defeat and put on the glad look of faith. Often times the change comes in you before you see anything outward. Your external reality is defined by your internal reality, so what are you putting your focus on today?