Daily Devotional

“Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation’ ” (1 Samuel 2:1). 

It wasn’t easy being the only wife of Elkanah, who had no children. Elkanah loved Hannah and was kind to her, but Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, ridiculed Hannah. Peninnah had numerous children, and she never let Hannah forget it.

When Elkanah travelled to the Lord’s house to worship and to offer a yearly sacrifice, the whole family accompanied him. Even while attending religious services, Peninnah tormented her rival about her lack of offspring. She did all she could to make Hannah’s life miserable. 

While on this trip, Hannah went to the tabernacle and wept bitterly. She prayed earnestly and vowed that if God would grant her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service. 

God heard her cry for help and, in time, Samuel was born. As soon as he could understand words, she began to teach him right from wrong; she taught Samuel that he belonged to God and to love Him. After the boy was weaned, she took him to the house of the Lord, and the child lived there and served the Lord. 

Hannah saw her son only once a year, when she would visit him and take him a handmade outfit. 

Because she had put God first and honoured her vow, the Lord blessed Hannah with three more sons and two daughters. 

Hannah’s influence on Samuel started a positive ripple effect, and it’s likely that thousands were brought into a saving relationship with God because of her faithfulness. Samuel grew up to be a great man of God. Through his role as a prophet, judge, and founder of many schools, he led many people to the Lord, just as his godly mother had hoped. 

What kind of ripple effect will you produce in your interactions with others today? 

Dear God, make us a saving influence on others through our reflection of Your goodness and love.