Who is this?  Wrongfully accused of being drunk  Father-in-law was Jeroham  Not a prophet, priest, or king  Profound impact on Israel; echoed in Heb. 11  Name only in two consecutive chapters  Said, “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.”

If we have faith like Hannah, we can:  Overcome personal hardships  Dedicate our children to God  Have a profound impact on the next generation

Part of a polygamous marriage, 1 Sam. 1:1, 2  Permitted by God in ancient times  Not lawful now, 1 Cor. 7:2  Fraught with problems: envy, rivalry ›Sarah & Hagar ›Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, Zilpah

Other woman provoked Hannah, 1 Sam. 1:5-7  Hannah favored by her husband  Childless  Peninnah aggravated her  Wept & would not eat

We might have tormenting enemies  We are innocent  Hate our advantages or privileges  Pick at a weakness or difference  No comfort found in man, 1 Sam. 1:8  Satan will use this against us

Prayer was the only recourse, 1 Sam. 1:10  Did not choose vengeance, Rom. 12:17-21  Poured out her heart, Heb. 4:15, 16; 2:18  What is the distress & sorrow in your life? ›Childless ›Financial ›Loved one fallen away

Made a vow to God, 1 Sam. 1:11  Often the case with people in distress ›I will read my Bible daily ›I will be better to my family ›I will go to church every week ›I will stop drinking, doing drugs…

Made a vow to God, 1 Sam. 1:11  God will hold you to your vow, Ecc. 5:1-6 ›Do not make a rash promise ›Vow must be legitimate ­ Not: I promise to be a Roman Catholic ­ Not: I will be a Christian clown

God promised to give Hannah a child, 1 Sam. 1:17  God hears our prayers  God is good, Psa. 103:8  Hannah believed, 1 Sam. 1:18

Hannah gave Samuel to God  Honored God by his name: Samuel ­ God hath heard, 1 Sam. 1:20  Trusted God to care for Samuel

Women can do great work in God’s kingdom  Support their husbands in serving, 1 Sam. 1:3  Raise their children to serve God, 2 Tim. 1:5 ›Samuel faithfully judged the nation ›Samuel anointed two kings ›Samuel rose to challenges

If we have faith like Hannah, we can:  Overcome personal hardships  Dedicate our children to God  Have a profound impact on the next generation