1 Samuel

5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. 6 And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Elkanah her husband would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple. [b] 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."

15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."

17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."

18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, [c] saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."


I have been doing a wonderful Bible Study at church called "The Amazing Collection" which guides you in reading and studying the Bible in 3 years. I can now believe I have really studied the word before now. What I am seeing is how relevant the Bible is. First I studied Sarah and her desire for a child, now I am studying Hannah. I do believe that God will grant us the desires of our heart. It may not be the same way as Sarah and Hannah, but He will provide in ways that are unimaginable. When you past the issues of jealousy and other emotions, its amazing what this peace feels like. I am so glad I am over that and can enjoy this time. I am so thankful for this wait (yes I wish it was shorter) as it is a time of preparation and I am thankful for adoption in general. I have enjoyed reading blogs of families who have been there, done that and although I do not know them, they have been such great encouragement. To have followed the journeys of Laney, Sheridan, Lily, Shelby and many others have taught me so many things and for that I am thankful that these families have allowed me to witness their journey. Thanks friends!!!!!