Hannah: Suffering to Surrendor

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leader meeting next Sunday 11:30

Mother’s Day

I want to take a moment to just recognize that on this day we celebrate mothers, there are many who have dealt with or are dealing with infertility. I want you to know that I believe God cares about your situation, and that God hears your prayers. There’s a song I love that I wanted to share the lyrics:

Take Courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul He’s in the waiting, Hold on to your hope, as your triumph unfolds, He’s never failing.

Sing praise my soul, find strength in joy Let his words lead you on, Do not forget His great faithfulness, He’ll finish all He’s begun.

Sermon: Take your suffering to surrender.

Observations from 1 Samuel 1:

V1. Elkanah is a descendant of the levitical priesthood

Although he’s faithful in worship, he’s struggling to be a good husband.

V2. He had two wives:

Hannah (Grace) / Peninnah

violation of God’s design for marriage Gen 2:18, 21-24

Was a common practice used when a wife was unable to conceive

Barrenness was viewed as a curse from God

V3 Elkanah was faithful to worship God in this annual trip to Shiloh

Eli’s sons are named here Hophni and Phinehas (evil men)

This is the first use of the Lord of Armies

The name expresses the infinite resources and power which are at the disposal of God as he works on behalf of his people.

Whereas no offerer ate the meat of his own sin or guilt offering, he was given back a substantial part of his own thanksgiving or ‘peace’ offering (Lev. 7:11–18), and this meat was enjoyed at the meal in celebration of restored fellowship with God.

He would distribute the offering to Peninnah and her children

He would give a double portion of the offering to Hannah

There were guilt offerings and “thanksgiving offerings” a portion of the offering was given back to signify restoration of fellowship between the sinner and God

Gift’s (even if they are religious in appearance) are not a substitute for Godly friendship and leadership.

I think there’s a tinge of guilt in Elkanah’s gift

His bigamy brought suffering

He wasn’t willing or able to address the main issue.

Peninnah would taunt Hannah just to provoke her

She knew she wasn’t the first choice…

Because the Lord had kept her from conceiving

1 - She was mocking Hannah because she viewed the situation as a curse

2 - God had allowed this problem to exist… because this was a problem only God could solve.

Her rival would taunt her severely

Hannah’s suffering at the hands of Peninnah, but this trial is allowed by God

James 1

Hannah goes to “church” year after year and remains in despair year after year.

Come into the House of God, into the presence of God, with the people of God, but not experience the Power of God.

Husband of the year Elkanah:

Why are you crying? Seriously dude? You know why I’m crying

He knew why, “Am I not better than 10 sons?” He’s witnessed the mocking and the taunting.

On one occasion, After years of attending church, Hannah is deeply hurt, and wept many tears.

To Hannah, the Lord of Armies wasn’t just about a conquering force for the people of Israel

He was the God who fights her battles.

Eli - another insensitive leader failed to recognize a woman in distress

Maybe Shiloh wasn’t a great part of town?

But Eli’s perceptions as a priest aren’t great, and we see another one of God’s leaders overlooking evil

Vs. 18 - When she gave her problem over to the Lord, she felt a sense of restoration.

She suffered for years until she finally surrendered to the realization that she Had a problem only God could fix.

Her vow is connected to the promises that God made to his people Israel

That he would bless them if they honored him and kept his commandments.

She names her son Samuel which means “God hears”

For us:

If you’re in a home that is religious and dysfunctional - God still hears

Today, we can take hold of the promise that Jesus will forgive us and restore us when we call upon him as our Lord.

If we cry our in despair - God still hears

We are never forgotten.

Bring your suffering to a place of surrender.

1 Peter 5:7–11 ESV

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.