16/08/2013 - HANNAH’S SECRET

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And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish.

I Samuel 1:10

The example set by Hannah must be analyzed and followed. She did not let herself get carried away by the natural side of things; rather, she did something that turned her into a hero of faith. Everybody has an opportunity to do something that will make them stand out from among the others. However, many let themselves be overcome by fatigue, by failed attempts and by the lack of response from God. On the other hand, those who live by faith never take “no” for an answer.

Hannah’s first positive attitude was to rise up and seek the divine presence. There is no problem He cannot solve, no pain the Almighty will not cure or promise He does not fulfill. So see what your hardship is, – that which has been afflicting you – stand up courageously and, with resolve, take the first step toward the solution. Standing still and accepting what contradicts the Word are attitudes that will lead you nowhere.

When the soul is bitter, deliverance may be at hand; when the night is at its darkest, daybreak is closer. So do not be fooled by the lies of the enemy nor give him the opportunity to thwart your plans. Be firm in faith and pay no need to what seems to be true, but rather to what is actually the truth. Hannah did not remain seating, frustrated, but rose to fulfill the divine plan.

What Hannah wanted was not to fight with her husband, – Elkanah – or with his other wife, Peninnah. She wanted her problem to be solved by the Lord. In fact, Hannah knew that God’s plan could not be frustrated because of her sterility. The same thing should happen with you because that which you have felt to come from the Father is what He wants to do to honor what He said about you. The Creator will help you and will fulfill His will in your life if you take a stand before Him.

No need to teach the Lord because He knows everything. If Hannah had not prayed with faith and determination and opened her heart to the point of having no more words but tears, she would not have achieved the Almighty’s promise. Albeit the seriousness of her physical problem, she knew that the God she loved was powerful to heal her and make her a loving mother. She managed to have her wish come true because she prayed and never gave up.

You should do the same! The fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16 b). Those who are of God have overcome the flesh, sin and other hellish plots. Follow Hannah’s example; in spite of her bitterness of soul, she prayed. Do not let anything prevent you from standing firm in faith. The Most High will always be with those who believe in His ability to do justice and work wonders.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares