Thanks for answered prayer

“The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.  The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” (1 Samuel 2:6-8)

Hannah understood the power of God yet she experienced great despair and sadness because of her barrenness. Nothing consoled her. Her husband loved her, but he could not give her what she wanted, what she cried for, what she prayed for. It was while in the sanctuary praying that Eli the priest overheard her pouring her heart out to God so severely that he thought she was intoxicated. After hearing her rational for the agonizing prayer, and when she finally left the sanctuary she said to the priest; “Think well of me-and pray for me!”

God heard Hannah’s prayer and he gave her what she asked for, a son by the name of Samuel. She received what she asked for, but she also made a promise to give him back to God. And she did.

Giving thanks cost Hannah something but in turn she gained so much more. She gained confidence in God’s ability to do the impossible, the assurance that God hears and answers prayer, and more than she initially asked for.

“In everything give thanks.”