October 3rd

 

  "2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah´s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7This 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." (1 Samuel 1:2, 4-7)

 Our God is a God of compensations!

Hannah didn´t have children and Peninnah had children. However their husband loved more Hannah, although she didn´t give him children. This is a compensation.

To Peninnah and her children, Elkanah used to give portions of the meat. But to Hannah, Elkanah used to give a double portion. Hannah was alone, but she received more love and a double portion...

Hannah was provoked year after year... And nobody likes to be provoked... Every time she went to the church she was provoked till the point of crying... 

Evil people can provoke you saying they have exactly what you want!

"As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were movint but her voice was hot hear. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, "How long are you going to stay drunk? Put awa your wine."" Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a women who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out my great anguish and grief." (1Samuel 1:12-16)

Hannah did not replied to the provokation... She did not behave the same way her rival did. She waited for the Lord! She presented to the Lord her problem.

Although sometimes we wish to give a natural solution, if we keep on answering to provocation, if we keep on provoking, this will never cease!

"Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 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." (1 Samuel 1:17-18)

Hannah did not received immediately her request. She did not left the presence of the priest pregnant.

You will not probably receive your miracle in a sudden. You will have to wait upon the Lord.

But after praying, as Hannah, you will be filled by peace! You will be able to rise up your head! 

Hannah was not pregnant yet, but she got rid of sorrow... She could eat! Depressed people, said people usually stop eating.

 "Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." "(1 Samuel 1:19-20)

Free summary of Pr. Poliana de Carvalho´s preaching