November 17th

HOW CAN WE SURVIVE IN 

DIFFICULT TIMES?

Pr. Joseph

I Samuel 1:1-8

The people of Israel were going through hard times.

Hophni and Phinehas were priests of the Lord at that time, but they were bringing idolatry and immorality to the house of God.

There was a man, Elkanah, who had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah.  The first had no children and the second did. Elkanah really loved Hannah. As she couldn’t have children, Peninnah, her rival, kept provoking, irritating her.

Hannah was judged a lot, because she had no children while Peninnah was very fruitful.

It´s funny how we judge people by their appearance, things that people own, as cars, house, position…

These days, no woman is respected for having lots of children. Actually, couples today avoid having children.

God looks inside of us!

Why did God lock Hannah´s womb, preventing her from having children? God is sovereign. He has His plans. He knows all about our life, our future. He had a plan for Hannah. God was preparing a prophet. He brought Samuel through Hannah.

Sometimes we pray for something and compare our lives with our neighbors, colleagues…

We ought to be moved by the Holy Spirit, by the Word of God… Not by appearances… The Holy Spirit is giving us directions!

Jesus´ coming was not an accident. It was planned!

At that time, God knew the way people were living. The prostitution, the idolatry…

What did Hannah do that called God´s attention?

The difference between Hannah and Peninnah was Hannah´s attitude.

Before Hannah gets pregnant, she made a promise to God. And He knew that!

“And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on 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”.” (I Samuel 1:11)

That was the only way that moved the heart of God!

Hannah said to God that whatever He gave her she would give it back to Him. She prayed a sabotage prayer!

The prayer of Hannah called God´s attention immediately!

Just think:

• What do you have that was not given by God?
• What are your dreams?

Are you able to say, for instance:

• God! I need a job! So give me a job and I´ll give it back to You…
• God! I need a wife! Give me a wife and I´ll give her back to You! Even before I meet this woman, I´m giving her to You!

Hannah´s situation was a bit different from Abraham, because God did not ask her to do this vow.

Hannah was able to change her situation!

Maybe you are praying for healing, for paying a debt… anything, if you take a step of faith, God is faithful to help you!

“Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord;     in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. “Do not  keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for  the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. “The  bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but  those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has  borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.” (2 Samuel 2:1-5)

Hannah now rejoices!

Hannah was not respected. But now God changed her situation! God changed her life! This is the Lord we are serving!

The prophet was not able to discern the needs of Hannah´s life! Even a prophet but he could not discern. He judged her!

There are some things we must hide inside our hearts… Things we must share just with Jesus! As Hannah did! She did not share her promise with her husband, with the prophet…

God wants us to take an attitude!

We are so concentrated in our lives, jobs, business… We don´t have enough time to pray, to read the Bible, to evangelize…

What do we have to do to call God´s attention?

Take an attitude!

God will stand up and act!

How can we survive in difficult times? By taking an attitude of faith.

Take a look at Hezekiah´s history: 2 Kings 20:1-6. Isaiah, the prophet, went to Hezekiah and advertised him that his death was coming. But, Hezekiah started to pray!

What about Samson? His eyes were gouged out, he was arrested, but he prayed God to give him strength, one more time… Check it on Judges 16:28-30. God answered him and Samson destroyed the temple and killed more people than ever.

We can not accommodate! God will change our situation!

Hannah started to sing….

She told all people what God had done to her. She shared her testimony.

And Samuel was been prepared.

God didn´t close Hannah´s womb… Actually, He was preparing her womb to receive Samuel.

In the same way, God is preparing our “Samuel´s”!

So, don´t complain!

Soon, very soon, our Samuel will arrive!

Every situation is temporary! We are just passing through!

We are so different: different lives, different situations…

What is your problem, your situation?

God is faithful!

Just wait!

Have patience!

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

““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. “For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world. He will  guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness”.” (I Samuel 2:6-9)