Hannah - A Woman Of Faith

“Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah: And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.............but the LORD had shut up her womb.”

(1 Samuel 1:1-5)

A wonderful role model for women of faith today is that of Hannah. The mother of Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of Israel. Whose story is told in the first two chapters in the book of 1 Samuel. From just a simple reading of the material in these two chapters we can glean several lessons from “Hannah – A Woman of Faith.”

I – WOMEN OF FAITH ENDURE REAL PROBLEMS – Hannah’s problem is she cannot bear a child. Her womb was closed by the Lord. “But the LORD had shut up her womb.” (Samuel 1:1-5). What we can learn from Hannah? Women of faith are not without problems in this life. The righteous often suffer (remember Job). We should not let others deter our trust in the Lord. Hannah could have used her misfortune and mistreatment as an excuse...I don’t want to serve God anymore. Yet year after year, Hannah continued to worship the Lord.

II – WOMEN OF FAITH EXTEND VIBRANT PRAYERS -What we can learn from Hannah? Pray fervently. Hannah put her soul in her prayers. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” ( Colossians 4:2 ) . Pray persistently. Hannah continued steadfastly in prayers.
Pray faithfully. Hannah believed that God would answer her prayers. “ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”(1 John 5:14-15). Women of faith believe in the efficacy of prayer. God takes notice of such faith.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

III – WOMEN OF FAITH EXPERIENCE GOD’S PROVISIONS – God gave many provisions to Hannah. God answered Hannah’s request to bear a son by the name of Samuel.
The Lord remembered Hannah. “And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.” (1 Samuel 1:19)
The Lord gave her a son, whom she named Samuel. “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:20).

We can learn from Hannah that God may sometimes give us what we want. It must be according to His will. We must abide in His Words. Selfish prayers will not be answered as we wish. God will always provide what we need. It may not be what we want or expect. But it will meet our needs, and be for our good.

IV – WOMEN OF FAITH EXCEL AT KEEPING PROMISE - She planned to keep her promise. “But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.” (1 Samuel 1:22).

We can learn from Hannah that we should keep our vows. God has no pleasure in fools who do not keep their vows. “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”(Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). As Christians, even our “yes” and “no” are as solemn vows. Fulfilment of vows or promise should not be done begrudgingly. We should with gratitude of heart do the will of the Lord. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”(Colossians 3:17).

V – WOMEN OF FAITH EXPRESS THEIR PRAISE – We can learn from Hannah that we should rejoice in blessings received. For we are to rejoice always. “Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
How much more so when we have received blessings from the Lord. We should offer praise for blessings received. Good health, financial, good harvest even we think not, children, etc. Praising God is how Christians offer spiritual sacrifices to God.

In conclusion, “Hannah – A Woman of Faith” serves to remind us that all women of faith....should
Endure real problems
Extend vibrant prayers
Experience God’s provisions
Excel at keeping promises
Express their praise

Today, anyone can become a person of faith. Even though you face many problems. If you are willing to come to God in prayerful obedience to the gospel of Christ. Receive the gift of salvation provided through God’s Son. Remain true to your commitment to His authority as Lord of your life. Offer your life and the fruit of your lips in praise to Him. May everyone, whether male of female, be able to say together with Hannah.


(From Pastor Shem Gardose’s Sunday Worship Messages)