Hannah is a a unique
woman in the Bible. She was dearly loved by her husband Elkanah. Yet
she also lived with his other wife who provoked her to irritate her.
This misery intensified during the family visit to the house of the
Lord. The reason was her childlessness. Her response to this dilemma
was not quarrel, jealousy, retaliation, or gossip but just tears. Her
husband tried to comfort her through words and action. Yet none of
these could not pacify her. This scenario went on for years.
Hannah could have been
content by her husband's love, yet she turned to God who could meet
her need. I do not know why Hannah waited for many years before she
decided to bring this issue before God. During one of their visits
to the house of the Lord, she did something which made a difference
in her life. In the midst of her weeping and prayer with bitterness
of soul, she made a vow to the Lord: she would give her firstborn son
to the Lord for all the days for his life. This was a risky decision
as no mothers have done this before. Also she did not know
whether she will have other children or if God would accept her son.
Hannah's prayer was
first of this kind! Samuel was God's reply for her prayer and rest is
history! She bore other children as well. She is a woman who was not
willing to be buried in her misfortune and tears. She built her home
with her trust in God. Besides, by giving her son to the house of the
Lord, she decided to build God's house with her gift. She transformed
her bitterness to bless the entire Israel from Dan to Beersheba. And
all Israel recognized Samuel as the prophet of God.
Many mothers want a
son like Samuel, but only to a Hannah a Samuel will be born. Only in
Hannah's home Samuel can be raised. Only a mother who makes risky
decisions on behalf of their children can build God's house.
What is special about
Hannah and her home? Hannah's was not a perfect happy home that one
dreams of. Hannah had a resident rival in her home who would cause
irritation and tears. Yet this did not result in fight neither with
her husband nor her rival. Besides, this was not a hindrance to her
to express her devotion and trust in God. Also she could have tried
to forget her misery in her husband's love. Yet, she decided to end
her misfortune by turning towards God-a bold step towards building
her home. Thus the key to unlock the door towards the answer to her
problem was in Hannah's hands and not in anybody else.
What are somethings
that bother us about our home? Are we trying to live with it thinking
that it would never change? Are we waiting for some others to take a
step towards the change? If change is needed, what can we do towards
it?
One cannot build home
alone. God is the One who builds, yet he gives us an opportunity to
partner with him in building our home which necessities us to take
risks with prayer, courage, wisdom, and perseverance.
Photo Courtesy: www.unhcr.org
