Hannah, A Woman Worth Emulating

Most a times when we look for the great women in the bible who helped in one way or the other, or whose lifestyles are worth emulating, we settle for the popular names like Mary the mother of Jesus, Ruth, Rebekah, Sarah, Eunice, Deborah, Abigail, Elizabeth among others. Barely do we make mention of Hannah, wife of Elkanah and mother of Samuel. Today, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I decide to sway from the ordinary or the normal trend and talk about a woman like Hannah. I pray you learn a lot from this piece and apply it to your life. As you read along, you’d realize some qualities Hannah exhibited which I believe are worth emulating.

Ø  Hannah prayed with a Purpose

Hannah didn't just pray, she had a purpose. Hannah was married to Elkanah for many years but according to the bible, she had no child because she was barren (1 Sam 1:6). She would spend most of her time crying unto the Lord and praying. Hannah didn't just cry and pray, she made her request known to God. In other words, she stated the actual thing she wanted from God, a son! (1 Sam 1:10-11). Many a times fellow Christians cry to God without actually saying what they want. They tend to complain and beat about the bush instead communicating their needs to God. The bible says God knows our heart desires but He still entreats us to ‘ask’ and make ‘our desires known to Him’. If you need a scholarship pray for it, if you need promotion pray for it, if you need a partner pray for a partner. Let your purpose be clear. People think when you specify your needs, God will not or cannot grant it so they pray a ‘general’ prayer and hopefully they get answered. Our God is not limited, He can do all things. Remember Hannah prayed for a son not a child and she indeed got a son. Hannah later had 3 sons and 2 daughters.

Ø  Hannah was slow to anger, had a right attitude and was not discouraged.

From 1 Sam 1:9-16 we see how Eli approached Hannah and how she replied. Hannah who was crying and pouring out her needs to God was prejudiced by Eli who thought she was a drunkard and therefore had no business in the house of God. Hannah could have easily been discouraged, angry or disappointed in the man of God. On the contrary, Hannah was not upset. In verse 12 of 1 Samuel, we see Hannah show a right attitude of humility and respect for authority in the way she gently answered Eli after she has been misjudged. Assuming you and I were faced with a similar situation, will we have acted like Hannah? I bet you'd have told Eli your piece of mind and later apologize or something. We should know that, as Christians such trials will come our way but like Hannah, we shouldn't be quick- tempered or upset when people say bad stuffs about us, rather we should gently reply them just as Proverbs 19:11(NLT) says Sensible people control their temper, they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Remember that Hannah’s gentle attitude compelled Eli to bless her and as a result, she received what she prayed for (1 Sam 1:17)

Ø  Hannah was faithful.

Hannah made a promise to God that, if He should grant her a son, she will bring him to the Lord. Indeed after weaning the child, she brought her to the Lord. She fulfilled her vow (1 Samuel 1:24-28). How often do you fulfill the promise you make to God? You tell God to do this for you and in return you will do this, do you play your part? Ecclesiastes 5:4 (NLT) says when you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to Him. Hannah’s act of fulfilling her promise caused Eli to even bless her more, after which she gave birth to 5 other children (1 Sam 2:20-21). Learn to keep your promises to God and He will keep blessing you the more or better still do not make any promises that you can’t keep.

Ø  Hannah had a heart of gratitude.

Hannah thanked God for granting her request. From 1 Sam 2:1-10, it can be said that her time spent in thanksgiving was more than the time she used in pouring out her requests. How often do you thank God for the things He has given to you, both the ones you prayed for and the ones you didn't? The more you thank God, the more He’s quick to grant your requests. Be a person of gratitude, just like Hannah.

Beloved, I believe you've taken a cue or two from Hannah’s attitude; praying with a purpose, faithfulness, being slow-tempered and having a heart of gratitude. I pray we develop these attitudes in our journey as Christians. I believe that one of the reasons why Samuel became one of the most successful prophets is because, he had the backings of a great woman, Hannah!
May God help us all. God bless you. Amen!

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