Nougat 25

Greetings siblings

We shall be exploring the Power and Place of Prayer over the next days, looking primarily at Hannah’s Story. As we reflect on Today’s Holy Nougat, I invite us to think: have you ever been stuck, with no apparent way out? What did you do?

‭1 Samuel 1:1-2, 9 NIV‬

[1] There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

[2] He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

[9] Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house.

The Power and Place of Prayer

Background

The issue ironically was not about her husband having two wives; it was about her barrenness. She was the preferred wife. But, in a time when life expectancy was low and childbearing was the mark of a successful wife, Hannah had none. It grieved her so badly. If we recall the ‘history’ of Abram and Sarai, we may have noted that Hagar entered the equation as a surrogate wife only after it was proven that Sarai was barren. It was likely the same for Hannah.

Her situation was a bit worse, though, for Elkanah’s other wife Peninnah had several children. And there was no promise of a child for Hannah to anticipate. It was spousal rivalry at its worst. Her disappointment was palpable. Hannah had to withstand Peninnah’s taunts and the imagined whispers in the community. The whole family went to the temple annually. She was obliged to accompany them and watch on the sidelines as her husband’s children’s sacrifices were made. For herself, it was the same thing year after year. No child, she was due one sacrificial portion.

In that context, Hannah was defined by her childbearing abilities. But she was also beloved wife. For her, it wasn’t enough. What is it that defines us? Who makes that definition? Why do we allow them to define us? Without jumping ahead to the rest of the story, what would you do in Hannah’s shoes? When the going is consistently tough, no end in sight, what is your course of action? To whom do you turn?

It is possible that we have been allowing the wrong people to tell us who we are. If so, it’s time for us to define our identity in Christ. In other instances, we’re trying too hard to live up to/ live down the expectations of ourselves and others. That, too, has its consequences. Whichever the case may be, I urge us when we’re in a stuck space to identify the true root of our situation so that we treat the real issue and nothing else.

Most of all, I pray that we find our true identity in Christ.

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May all we seek be found in Christ