Hannah

~Exalted by God~

"The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts."1 Samuel 2:6-7 NASB Hannah struggled. Although desperate to have children, she was barren. Meanwhile, her husband's other wife had given birth to children. Why, she wondered, had the Lord "closed her womb" (1:6)? When she came to Shiloh with her family, Hannah "would not eat" (1:7). Greatly distressed, she prayed "and wept bitterly" (1:10), vowing that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord. God answered that prayer, and she conceived and gave birth to a son whom she named "Samuel" (1:20).When Samuel was three years old, Hannah fulfilled her promise by bringing him to the house of the Lord. Hannah then prayed a prayer that was filled with insight. Beginning with praise and humility, she exulted in the Lord. She knew that there was "no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God" (2:2).Through her struggles, Hannah understood that God was the source of life and of all financial blessings. He enabled people to be poor or rich. He brings low, but "also exalts" (2:7). She had felt hopeless, but after she cried to the Lord, her life turned around.Today, remember that God's promises are just as true for you as they were for Hannah. If she could speak to you, she would remind you that nothing is impossible with God. No situation is too difficult! She would encourage you to follow her example and seek Him in fervent, even desperate, prayer.Don't give in to despair, but turn to God for the needs you face. Keep believing. Stay faithful. Keep Sowing Seeds with your time, talent, and treasure. Continue to seek Him. He will exalt His people!

Today's Inspirational Prayer

Father, I commit these needs to You: ________. Thank You for Your favor and blessing. I wait upon You and commit my life to You. Thanks for hearing my prayers! In Jesus' name. Amen.