Life Of IntegritySample

"Hannah's Petition"

A decade ago, my marriage of 25 years was under great fire. Satan had convinced me that we would not survive the path of destruction we were on. My grief was so great that I had stopped eating. One day as I was driving, filled with despair, I looked to heaven and I said, “Father, please rescue me! I will serve you for the rest of my life if you rescue me!” God has been so patient with me. Day-by-day, I have learned to turn my eyes upon Jesus. He has restored my marriage!

Hannah was one of Elkanah’s two wives. They lived near Shiloh in the hill country of Ephraim. His wife Peninnah, however, had children and Hannah did not. It was the custom in those days, each year, to travel to the town of Shiloh. They worshiped and made sacrifices to the Lord. On the days that Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions to Peninnah and to each of her children. Because he loved Hannah, he gave her a double portion even though she had no children. Sadly, year after year, Peninnah would tease and make fun of Hannah because her womb was closed. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears. One year, Hannah had become so weary that she stopped eating. It was after a sacrificial meal that Hannah wept so bitterly, she began to cry out to the Lord. She made a vow to the Lord. If He would give her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. She promised her son would be the Lord’s for his entire life. God saw her tears and gave her a son.

Does Satan have you under fire, threatening your marriage or maybe something else? Does the burden feel so heavy it’s affecting your relationships, your job, or your health? Why do we wait until we are miserable to go to the Lord? Jesus tells us, “Come unto me all who are burdened and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Until Hannah and I cried out to the Lord, things were only getting worse. Please be encouraged by our rescue.

Stop! Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Cry out loud and let God know how much you desire to trust only Him. I promise as you trust and walk with Him, He will give you strength to endure. He will teach you how to trust Him and He will begin to repair. Your victory is in Jesus!