1 Samuel 1, Sunday 2/9/25

Lost in the Waiting: Trusting God When Understanding Fails

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1

Summary: 1 Samuel 1 recounts the story of Hannah, a woman deeply troubled by her inability to conceive. Despite her anguish, she fervently prays and ultimately places her trust in God, leading to the miraculous birth of Samuel. This passage teaches about the complexity of waiting on God's timing while maintaining faith amid personal struggles.

Application: This passage offers profound encouragement for individuals facing uncertainty and hardship. Christians can learn to persevere in prayer and trust God's plans, even when His ways are unclear. It invites believers to find solace in the knowledge that God hears their cries and can bring about extraordinary results from their suffering.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that true trust in God comes not just in deliverance from troubles but in the midst of them. It illustrates how personal pain can lead to deeper faith, urging the congregation to lean on prayer and community support, particularly when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader scope of scripture, Hannah's story points to God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan to bring forth a leader for Israel through Samuel. This foreshadows the deeper redemptive work of Christ, who came to fulfill God's promises and bring hope in times of despair, reinforcing the message that God answers our deepest needs through His Son.

Big Idea: When we trust in God amidst our heartaches and confusion, we open ourselves to His surprising, redemptive work in our lives, transforming our despair into hope.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using Logos to explore the Hebrew text of Hannah's prayer for nuances in her expression of grief and faith. Look into commentaries that discuss the cultural and historical background of childlessness in ancient Israel, which will provide context to Hannah's struggles and her significance in God's narrative. Delve into the theology of waiting in the Old Testament, particularly focusing on how trusting in God was exemplified by Hannah and contrasted with other biblical figures.

What if I told you that there was a God that created the heavens and the Earth and he cares for you this morning. No matter what state you are in this morning, wether you are here because it is the thing to do on a Sunday morning. Or maybe you just come to church with the idea of lunch on your mind or what you will do this afternoon. You may have come to church with no expectation at all this morning or bad expectations because you never get anything out of this time at all because your heart has grown hard to the things of God. Not matter the reason why you are here this morning their is a God who knew you would be in that pew this morning and he cares for you. Don’t you loved to be cared for by someone else. What about being cared for by a God that knows all about you but still cares for you.

1. Struggling in Silence

1 Samuel 1:1-8

You could delve into the emotional and societal challenges faced by Hannah, exploring how her identity and worth were questioned by others, and how these challenges drove her to seek God more earnestly. Perhaps seeing her struggles can remind us that our own pain can be a catalyst for seeking God more intimately, with a sincere heart and open hands.

1 Samuel 1 portrays Hannah's raw emotional state as she prays in the temple, reflecting on the seriousness of her predicament. Many of us can relate to feeling unseen or unheard in our pain. Her perseverance in prayer demonstrated a powerful faith that God would listen. This passage urges us to bring our struggles before God, trusting that He values our cries and will answer in His perfect timing.

The family would go each year up Shiloh which was about a 15 mile journey to the tabernacle which holds the Ark of the Lord—God’s presence among his people.

Hophni and Phinehas are priests of the Lord with Eli looking over the preceding sitting at the gate as people enter. We will find out the sons of Eli treat what is Holy to God as nothing and use their positions for their own personal gain and not the Kingdom of God. It will ultimately bring them to an extremely bad place before God.

vs 4 & 5 show us the division between Hannah and Peninnah. Just like Abraham had “helped” God Elkanah had done the same. He had taken Hannah as his wife and as she could not bear children he married Peninnah. Peninnah had sons and daughters but these verses tell us of the problem in the family is Hannah in that Elkanah love’s her for she has not children so he gives her a double portion even though she has no need in it since she is by herself.

Imagine every year, 3 times a year, you have to go through this as Hannah and see all that Peninnah is given because of all the children she must take care of and you only have you. This could put you in a bad situation in your heart over and over again making your jealous or envious time after time. Hannah is not the first barren woman in scripture.

Sarah and Abraham

Genesis 11:30 ESV

30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Rebekah had not children for twenty years of marriage.

Genesis 25:20–21 ESV

20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. 21 And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Barren women seem to be God’s instruments in raising up key figures in the history of redemption, whether the promised seed (Isaac), the father of Israel (Jacob), saviors or preservers of Israel (Joseph, Samson, Samuel), or the forerunner of the great King (John the Baptist).

End of Verse 5—The Lord had closed her womb—From an earthly standpoint this was seen as a curse from God to not have children or even seen as something is wrong with the person or the family the person came from. When in God’s economy what is actually happening is He is divinely ordaining a plan that will bring HIM alone Glory.

John 9:1–12 ESV

1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

We are facing one of the principles of Yahweh’s modus operandi. When his people are without strength, without resources, without hope, without human gimmicks—then he loves to stretch forth his hand from heaven. Once we see where God often begins we will understand how we may be encouraged.

Elkanah—You may be a man of God who desires to make these sacrifices before God but you lack Godly wisdom from above in that you married another wife and then told the first wife you are plenty for her. Not the wisdom that the Lord tells us we should live.

Elkanah had married another woman telling Hannah she was not enough for him in the first place.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 1

Though of this order, and a good man, he practised polygamy. This was contrary to the original law, but it seems to have been prevalent among the Hebrews in those days, when there was no king in Israel, and every man did what seemed right in his own eyes [

T.S. With the family dynamic in full grasp we now see why Hannah is driven to prayer.

Before we jump into this text lets be reminded that when we face something like this their is another way that our hearts often go. We turn to our own understanding and fuss at the God of all creation. We get mad with him as though he sinned against us and has treated us unfairly when nothing could be farther from the truth.

Elkanah and his family lived in the hill country of Mount Ephraim, somewhere around 20 miles north of Jerusalem. They would have lived only about a day’s journey from Shiloh, where the Tabernacle of God was. The Tabernacle was where Jehovah God was worshipped. You see, these were the days of the judges in Israel. They were individuals that God would select and use to provide some civil and religious leadership over Israel.

“Pastor Tim, why does that matter?”

Here’s why: two times the Bible describes the days of the judges like this:

Judges 21:25 KJV 1900

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Those were the circumstances in which Hannah lived.

Every person, even the more religious Israelites, did whatever he thought was right, like having two wives. Why did Elkanah have two wives? Because he felt like it - he did what he thought was right. Either he didn’t know or he didn’t care what God’s Law taught about marriage. He was just a reflection of the society in which he lived.

Application: Christian, is your life a reflection of American society or is your life a reflection of Jesus Christ? It cannot be both.

The Scriptures indicate that Elkanah was somewhat devout. Every year, he travelled to the Tabernacle as commanded and offered sacrifices on behalf of his family. He provided spiritual leadership, but he had two wives. That was the source of much strife.

What a burden, what a sore trial this was for Hannah! She just wanted to have a son, but for years God said, “no!” In that culture, if a woman could not bear children, it was a shame to her.

Genesis 30:1 KJV 1900

And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.

Sometimes in life God allows us to see the why, other times He reserves that answer only for Himself. I might not be able to answer why, but I remind you of something that we saw several weeks ago in the book of Acts that is true in Hannah’s life also:

Application: “God is always in the business of making us need Him.” - Pastor Tom Brennan

God wants us to need Him. How He does that in each of our lives may vary, but you can be certain of one thing: every one of us, in one way or another, needs God. For some, it is the affliction of no children.

2. Surrendering in Prayer

1 Samuel 1:9-18

Perhaps you could highlight Hannah's unwavering faith amidst ridicule and misunderstanding, illustrating her profound act of surrender as she pours her heart out to God in prayer. This section can inspire listeners to lay down their burdens before God, trusting that He listens and will respond in His perfect timing when understanding seems elusive.

Hannah's story in 1 Samuel illustrates the power of surrender in prayer. In her desperation, she poured out her soul to God. This act of vulnerability led to a transformation not just of her circumstances, but of her heart. To be open in prayer, like Hannah, can lead to profound peace, knowing that we have laid our burdens before the Lord.

Consider a time when you were faced with a situation so overwhelming that words failed you. You might have found yourself in tears, sitting in silence, or maybe even yelling in prayer. This raw honesty is what God desires from us. Just as Hannah reached a point of complete surrender, we too must be willing to lay everything bare before our Creator.

Job 7:11 ESV

11 “Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 ESV

1 “I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Wept bitterly—wept weeping—intensity of description

We need to understand the dee pain that Hannah is experiencing in this moment to fully understand what happens next. She is utterly broken before the Lord in humility she has no answers and seeks the very face of God.

As a Levite her son would have been bound to service from the age of 20-50

Numbers 8:24–25 ESV

24 “This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall come to do duty in the service of the tent of meeting. 25 And from the age of fifty years they shall withdraw from the duty of the service and serve no more.

A Nazarite vow was not intended to be made for life. it was for a time to seek after the Lord

Numbers 6:1-21....

Numbers 6:5–6 ESV

5 “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long. 6 “All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body.

Nazarites for life—Samson, Samuel, John the Baptist

Many Christians need to realize that Yahweh our God allows us to do this—to pour our griefs and sobs and perplexities at his feet. Our Lord can handle our tears; it won’t make him nervous or ill at ease if you unload your distress at his feet.

One of the main reasons we do not pray more is that we do not feel the need to pray. We think we can manage without God, and so our prayers end up a duty to perform, options in our busy day. Prayer was not a duty or an option for Hannah! She did not get up from the meal because she had realised that she had not had her quiet time that day. It was the cry of an anguished soul.

Look at the Faith of Hannah!! She went and ate and was no longer sad. How? She believed that God would answer her as His servant. In faith she believed what Eli—God’s representative told her.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. Seeing God's Faithfulness

1 Samuel 1:19-28

Maybe you could focus on God's faithfulness in responding to Hannah's deep desires and prayers by giving her a son, Samuel. Emphasize how her promise to dedicate Samuel to God's service exemplifies a life transformed by trust. This section can encourage believers to commit their answered prayers and blessings back to God, acknowledging His hand in their lives.

Imagine standing on a hilltop, surveying the valleys filled with memories of answered prayers and moments of doubt. Just like Hannah, who waited patiently for her son, we also have seasons of waiting. As we reflect on our lives, we can see how God remained faithful in our trials. This illustration serves to remind our congregation that though we may not see immediate results, God is always working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect purposes.

Historically, countless figures have experienced the profound faithfulness of God during dire circumstances. Consider the lives of missionaries who have traversed hostile environments to share the Gospel. Like Hannah, they clung to God’s promises through uncertainty. Their stories of perseverance echo the assurance found in 1 Samuel 1:19-28. Just as Hannah's faith was rewarded, these missionaries teach us that faithfulness will be honored in due time.

Reflecting on the heart of a mother, Hannah’s unwavering commitment to dedicate her son Samuel back to God after receiving Him is a powerful testament to divine faithfulness. Picture a parent who trusts God with their child's path, echoing Hannah's declaration of trust. This personal dedication illustrates not only her gratitude but also her understanding of God’s ultimate plan for her life and the community at large.

The journey through suffering often feels solitary, but Hannah’s narrative in 1 Samuel 1:19-28 emphasizes that we’re met by divine companionship. Consider a hypothetical scenario: a mother praying fervently for her child's health, finding solace in Hannah’s faith. When we suffer, it’s easy to feel abandoned, yet Hannah’s eventual joy in Samuel reflects God’s faithfulness through trials, serving as a beacon of hope for those currently in the darkness.

Summary and Application

Hannah’s home life didn’t stop her from choosing a life of godliness.

Her lack of children was never made an excuse for a lack of faith in God.

Her adversary’s insults didn’t embitter her and prevent a life of godliness either.

How does Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 illustrate the concept of faith amidst suffering, and what does it reveal about God’s character?

In what ways can Hannah’s example of surrendering in prayer inspire us to deal with our own struggles and pain?

In what specific ways can we bring our own struggles before God, following the example set by Hannah’s raw honesty in prayer?

What theological implications can we draw from Hannah’s promise to dedicate Samuel to the Lord in light of Christian beliefs about parenting and stewardship?

When faced with uncertainty about your family's future, like a sudden job loss or health crisis, it can be overwhelming. In these moments, instead of succumbing to anxiety, carve out time each evening for prayer and reflection. Write down your fears and doubts, and then prayerfully surrender them to God. Seek comfort in Scripture, particularly Proverbs 3:5-6, which reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Consider starting a family prayer journal where each member can contribute their worries and praises as a way to collectively lean on God.

You may feel overwhelmed by a demanding workload or difficult colleagues. To combat this, set aside five minutes in your workday to pray and ask God for wisdom and strength. Write down a specific challenge you're facing—like an upcoming presentation or a challenging coworker—and ask God to help you respond in love and integrity. By focusing on trusting God, you'll find the courage to face these challenges with a renewed perspective, shifting from anxiety to action.