An Answer To Prayer?

Could Hannah's distress, described in the first two chapters of First Samuel, be the answer to the prayers of the rest of the nation?

The priests stood between the sincere worshipper and God. Every sacrifice and ordinance required a priest's assistance. The sons of Eli were wicked and used their position as priests to satisfy their own carnal lusts, causing those dependant upon their services to view the sacred rituals as a vile and profane scam.

The text hints, and common sense begs to affirm, that many prayers rose from the lips of sincere worshippers, begging God to return respect and reverence to the house of God.

Enter the barren wife, Hannah. Troubled by her condition, she promised God that if He would answer her prayer that she would use the answer for His glory. The answer, her son Samuel, became the priest who brough revival and holiness back to the Temple.

Could it be that as you seek God's favor in your current distress that you might be the answer to the prayers that many are lifting to heaven? Could it be that your problems are not just about you?

Having problems? Take them to God. Not in a hasty, obligatory moment, but in earnest and fervent intercession. Yes, it will take time and it will be hard work and others may not understand. But you just might be the answer to the prayers of a whole nation.

©2006 Doug Ellingsworth