BLESSING FOR THE BARREN

1Samuel 1:1-8

"Hannah, why are you weeping"
(1Sam. 1:8a).

Blessing for the Barren

Written by: Duane Brush
(Editor of Word Action)


Hannah was barren. This led to weeping, loss of appetite, and depression. Her husband tried to cheer her up, but without success. In addition, her mercilessly taunted her. Hannah was miserable, and this went on year  after weary year. (v.7)

Barrenness can lead to depression, depression to despair, and despair to faith-destroying hopelessness. Barrenness is nor limited ti the childless, however. Leaders in declining churches, Christian parents of wayward children, and faithful workers passed over time and again for advancement can feel their own brand of barrenness. It is never far from wherever expectations are dashed, hopes deferred, or longings unfulfilled.

Hannah, nevertheless, had resources to battle barrenness. She had a loving husband, she knew how to pray, and, most importantly, she had the Lord Almighty. God had plans that would exceed her expectations. He would turn her barrenness into blessing. We have Jesus' promise: "Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing" (John15:5b, NLT). Fruit comes from barrenness when we persist in faith. Like Hannah, we will discover the answer in God's time, according to his will, and in his Blessed way.



Ultimately, our trust in God has to rise above even our most desperate desires (Robert Branson).
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Word Action