God Hears

1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
Robert Ross, Associate Pastor

Big Idea: Hannah’s dedication to the Lord and her praise of thanksgiving to what she has been given ought to encourage us to do the same, which will lead us to a deeper relationship with God and a life that reflects him to others.

I. The Power of Persistent Prayer (1:21-28)
1 Samuel 1:21-28
21 The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.” 23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

A. Hannah’s story exemplifies the power of a persistent and authentic prayer life. Despite her initial barrenness, the discouragement, and shame that she had faced, she remained steadfast in her prayers to God.

B. Hannah made a commitment to God, and she honored that commitment by dedicating Samuel back to Him.

II. Remembering God’s Blessings and Dedication (2:1-11)
1 Samuel 2:1-11
1 And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord.My mouth derides my enemies,because I rejoice in your salvation. 2 “There is none holy like the Lord:for there is none besides you;there is no rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so very proudly,let not arrogance come from your mouth;for the Lord is a God of knowledge,and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken,but the feeble bind on strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. 6 The Lord kills and brings to life;he brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. 8 He raises up the poor from the dust;he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princesand inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,and on them he has set the world. 9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,for not by might shall a man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” 11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.

C. The issue is not having hopes or dreams that reflect godly desires, but in the way we go about making them a reality and in our response to setbacks and failures. Where do we place our hope? If you get discouraged remember to take it to God (v. 10)

A. Hannah’s prayer begins with a burst of exultation and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in answering her prayers.

B. Hannah acknowledges that the blessings she receives comes from and gives glory to Him.