Today our chronological reading plan has brought us to the book of Daniel. What an incredible book about the sovereignty of God and of His people trusting Him exclusively. These are two truths that the church in exile here in England deeply need to know. The latter point also brought my attention to another great figure of faith outside of Daniel who exemplifies a similar unapologetic faith in the Lord, Hannah.

Hannah’s well known story kick starts the book of Samuel. She is childless (both an old-age security worry but also a burden upon any would be mothers’ heart). As a result she comes to the tabernacle (the temple had not yet been built) to cry out to the LORD (and a priest happens to be watching her):

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. (1 Samuel 1:10-15 ESV)

Hannah was on a mission, she had an appointment to meet with her God. She was troubled in spirit and poured out her soul before the Lord. In the process she was misinterpreted and chastised for being drunk! Oh how genuine faith is often the subject of scorn by the unbelieving and religious, by those whose jealousy for what Hannah has lead them into spiteful action rather than to adopt a similar posture before the Lord

Today, be like Hannah. Do not be afraid to live out your faith. Live it fully, live it boldly.

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris