Samuel-Part 1

In my childhood, I lost two grandparents to heartbreaking illnesses within the matter of a few years. At age 11, I had to move to another state and adjust to a new school, make new friends, and leave behind the family and town I grew up in. Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and it can be extremely difficult to uphold the burden on our own. As we began the series on Samuel this week, I believe the story of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, struck a chord with many of us. The exposition of her story illustrates the utter anguish she was in as a result of her inability to have children. Furthermore, the taunting of her husband’s other wife plunged her into deeper sorrow.

The thing that’s so remarkable about this story, however, is not the battle Hannah had to face. Rather, it is how she chooses to respond. As it states in Samuel 1:10-11, In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.” This is so different from what may be considered a “natural response” to struggle. Instead of asking God, “Why?” and begging Him to fix everything, she surrenders. She offers to give her time, her heart, and even the precious gift of a son to the Lord. She was reverent, and she was faithful.

God heard Hannah’s genuine cry and responded by blessing her with a son, whom she named Samuel. Because of her faithfulness, God lifted Hannah’s burden. He provided her with peace and comfort, even before she conceived. In the same way, God is willing to carry our burdens. Although He may not always take away the struggle, He will walk us through every step if we are faithful.

I can’t help but wonder where I would be if God was not at the center of my struggles, guiding me through every “curveball.” Like Samuel, I am also blessed to have parents that led the way by their faithfulness to God in the hard times. If you are at a point in life where things aren’t going so great, I challenge you to reach towards the Lord. Instead of questioning, trust Him. Serve Him. God wants to take away your burdens, but you have to let Him into the struggle in order for Him to calm the storm.

Written by: Tamara Sturdivant
Edited by: De Ann Sturdivant