Above all attitude

Hannah lived in the times of the Judges 1100 years b. C. (before Christ). The times of the judges were known as times of religious corruption; she was known for her kindness and fear to God. She lived in a mountainous region in Ephraim, about 9 kilometres of Jerusalem.

Hannah was married to Elkanah, who had another wife named Peninnah. Even being loved by her husband, Hannah sufered for not being able to have children and sterilily was considered as a disgrace. And, to what´s more, she had to live daily with the provocations of her rival.

And what did Hannah do in such a painful situation? She prayed. What did she do when her rival would provocated her? She prayed. What did she do in every situation? She prayed and year after year she would go to the house of God to offer sacrifices, but year after year, she wouldn´t see her dream coming true.

Until the the she made a vow to God: "...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, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  (1 Samuel 1:11)

When Hannah stood up, her face was no longer showing sadness. She was sure she would get victory because for the first time she decided to make a vow of sacrife to God, something that was unique for her, something that was considered the most important thing for her and that was going to come from her!

The sacrifice has to come from you, not from somebody else because Hannah offered as a sacrifice what her husband would give to her (read 1Samuel 1:3,5)

God answered Hannah and Samuel came as a result. She kept her part, so as soon as her child didn´t need her anymore (children from Israel used to be weaned at the age of 2 or 3), she took him to the house of the Lord, giving him her only child.

Because of that attitude, Hannah proved to be obedient to God, and that was seen in Samuel´s life.
When she sacrificed her son, Hannah did it with joy. In chapter 2 we can see her happiness as she kept her part: "...My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high.My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance."   (1 Samuel 2:1)

If Hannah would have stayed praying, if she wouldn´t have taken an attitude, she would have died without seeing her dream coming true.

Which are the aspects of your life where there is sterility? How many humilliations you´ve been through? Which ones are the problems you´ve been through?

Stop complaining, fighting; why don´t you take an attitude to solve that problem?

Follow Hannah´s example: pray, but above all, take an attitude!!

At your disposition,

Pastor Robson Cavalcante