Her husband Elkanah said, “Oh, Hannah, why are you crying? Why aren’t you eating? And why are you so upset? Am I not of more worth to you than ten sons?”
1 Samuel 1:8
Hannah… a name that means grace, favor, passion, and beauty. She’s a beautiful woman, a passionate woman, a graceful woman, a favored woman, a loved woman… She’s got it all… the looks, the attitude, the possessions, and a good man.
On the surface everything seems perfect, out of two wives she’s her husband’s favorite. Every year, after making a sacrifice to God, he would come home and give a portion to his wives and children… But to Hannah… he gives a double portion.
You would think this woman had it all… She was experiencing a life that most women would dream of… but not so…. Her true desires, dreams, and expectations were not being fulfilled because out of all the things she had, what She really wanted was a child.To add insult to injury, she had daily reminders running around her house. The other wife had baby after baby after baby, right in her face, all her passion could not produce her desired purpose.
My friend, are you one of the many individuals who appear happy and blessed on the outside, yet silently and secretly in turmoil? In public it seems you have the perfect relationship, but behind closed doors there is a silent storm At work, do you seem strong, confident, and successful, but inside your weak, hopeless, and depressed. To others, do you have poise elegance and grandeur, but in your heart you’re empty, hurting, and fearful. Even in the pulpit preacher, are you charismatic, powerful, and savvy, but once Sunday morning is over you find yourself Anointed yet Annoyed.
My friend, if this is you… I feel you.
I know what it’s like to seemingly have it all but feel like you have nothing I know what it’s like to win almost every battle, but walk away like you've lost the war. I fell you… You’re surrounded by people who celebrate you and say they love you, yet you feel unappreciated and alone.
Yes preacher, I know your pain of looking successful in front of the crowd, yet living in fear and despair.
You are so misunderstood. You try to articulate how you feel… but just like Hannah’s husband, those closest to you say …. Aren't I good enough as 10 sons? I can imagine Hanna, just like you and I passive aggressively giving him that beautiful gracious smile, while deep down inside in the pit of her soul screaming NO.
What do you do, when you’re silently frustrated? What do you do, when you are miserable restrained. What do you do, when you’re anointed but annoyed?
Do what Hannah did…. PRAY!
Do as Jesus taught… Go to your seek closet, for what you ask for in secret, He will bless you openly (Matthew 6:6) .
For it’s the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous that avails much. (James 5:16)
Ask and it shall be given, Seek and Ye shall find, Knock and the door will be open to you (Matthew 7:7).
But remember, prayer is a two way conversation…. They that wait upon the Lord he shall renew their strength… For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…. Your eyes have not seen, your ears have not heard, neither has it entered your heart, the things God as prepared for you.
My friend, you may be BARREN today, but there is hope for tomorrow. But be like Job, though they slay me, yet will I trust you…. Declare it in your soul… I will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that will bring forth fruit in my season…. Grab hold to your purpose and destiny and press towards the mark of a higher calling in Christ Jesus…knowing this…. That the trying of your faith works patience, and when patience has her perfect work you will be entire wanting nothing.
Then get up from your knees, walk out of your closet, wipe the tears from your eyes and spirit… Present yourself faultless and return Beautiful, Graceful, and Passionate…. And watch the favor of God impregnate you with the desires of your heart…..
Now take a deep breath and say... "I CAN DO THIS" #icandothis
Bishop John Young serves as pastor of FellowshipWorld Church, a center for spiritual growth, where positive attitudes are developed and where Good People Become Better. Visit Online at www.bishopyoung.com
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