Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1, 2, 3, Luke 8:29-56.
Memory Verse: “But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.” 1 Samuel 1:5 (KJV).
Hannah was the first wife of Elkanah while Peninnah was the second wife. Peninnah had children but Hannah couldn’t because God had shut up her womb. But we know that God is loving and good. How can he then shut up the womb of a married woman. This is the same reason why God sometimes withhold blessings from his children.
First reason is the state of the children. If God finds that the child is not fit enough for the blessing, he will withhold it. For example children should be given their meal without any delay but a good father will not give his child the meal if he knows that he is allergic to it. The father can even cause the child to fast and not eat if that is what the health of the child requires at that time. To the child, he could see it as a major punishment unless he trusts his father that he will always work in his favour. This is what obtains with God and his children. When a believer’s state cannot take a demand, God in his infinite mercy will not release such a blessing until the situation is appropriate.
Also, it could be the timing is not right. For example, there is a right time for Samuel to be born so that he can learn from Eli. All requests for children by Hannah could not have been answered as she was expected to bring forth Eli at a particular time. Similarly, Elizabeth could not have been pregnant with John the Baptist until a few months before Mary became pregnant with Jesus because the former is the fore runner of the Lord. Another reason could be that God has a different purpose for not meeting that need. Apostle Paul had a thorn in his flesh and he prayed to God thrice that the challenge be removed but God did not remove it rather he responded to him in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV), “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
When faced with such situations, when your prayers seem unanswered, what do you do? We can study the response of Hannah that touched God to open her womb. She prayed again pouring out her mind to God and made vows to God on what she would do if her request was granted. (1 Samuel 1:10-11), she became cheerful and believed that her prayer had been answered, (1 Samuel 1:18), then did her part of the work by sleeping with her husband. (1Samuel 1:19) and God blessed her action. Thereafter she fulfilled her vow (1 Samuel 1:27-28) and God blessed her the more (1 Samuel 2:21). God will Hearken unto your voice as you call on him with a penitent heart today in Jesus name.
Action Point: Whatever is the challenge facing you today, call on Him by following the steps of Hannah highlighted above.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero