Destined for More: Hannah

Quite often, maybe always, God sees us as more than what we appear to be to ourselves and others. People make determinations about who we are or what our potential is without taking into account the plans of God. That’s a mistake.

The world saw Hannah as a barren woman. So, did her husband, Elkanah, and his other wife, Peninnah. After all, Peninnah had many children, while Hannah had none. Hannah, was not will to accept that designation. She desired more.

When she went to the temple to pray, the high priest saw her as a drunk. God saw her humility and earnest petition, and He responded.

1 Samual 1:20 [NIV] So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

God heard Hannah’s cries and blessed her with a son. But Hannah was not content with the title of mother either. She had a plan to serve – to sacrifice to – God in a way that few mothers would have had the courage to do.

After she had weaned her son, Samuel, she sacrificed him to God. Not by killing him, but by turning him over to the service of the Lord and to Eli, the high priest at that time. That was a bold move for a mother who had waited so long for a child. That was a huge sacrifice.

But Hannah did not look at it as losing her son. Instead, she saw it as an honor to have a son to give to the Lord. Incredibly, her husband let her make that decision, trusting her to do what seemed right to her. [See 1 Samuel 1:23]

God had big plans for Samuel to, audibly calling Samuel into His service when Samuel was only a young boy, and revealing to him the fate of Eli and his sons. That is a LOT to put onto the shoulders of a young person.  

God did not see Samuel as a mere page to Eli, but as Eli’s replacement. God did not see Samuel as only the longed for son of a baren woman, but as His own chosen servant.

Hannah seems to have sensed that God had bigger plans. Why else would she have made such a dramatic sacrifice?

God did not see a baren woman. He saw the mother of His next High Priest, who would guide, judge, warn, pray for, and love God’s people as God did.

God did not see a baren woman. He saw a woman of great bravery and generous thanks. He saw a dedicated and willing servant.

1 Samual 1:20 [NIV] So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

Never let anyone limit your future or your place in the Kingdom of God because of your current circumstances. God sees what we cannot. And what He sees in us, He will help us to accomplish.

What inaccurate title are you wearing, sweet sisters? Ask God to show you who you really are. Then, like Hannah, bravely walk into the destiny the Father has reserved for you.

I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me in the comments section, or any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org