Hannah wanted a son, and Israel needed a prophet. That’s how First Samuel opens. Hannah was barren, unable to have children. Israel, on the other hand, was spiritually barren. The answer for both Hannah and Israel was Samuel. Samuel would be the son that Hannah desperately desired; and he would be the prophet that would lead Israel back to God. The difference between Hannah and Israel, was that Hannah knew she wanted a son. On the contrary, Israel didn’t know they needed a prophet.
The sun was about to set on the office of the judges. Eli, the high priest, would judge Israel for forty years (1 Sam. 4:18). Unfortunately, he and his sons didn’t possess the highest of character. Eli’s sons were corrupt, taking advantage of God’s people. Eli refused to correct his sons, which led to all of their downfall.
Hannah desperately prayed, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head” (1 Sam. 1:11). Hannah was willing to ask God to give her a son, but also willing to commit him to the Lord. As much as she wanted a son, Israel needed a prophet.
Often times our greatest obstacles are given to provoke us to prayer. Hannah’s obstacle of barrenness roused her to pray for a son. God used Hannah’s hardship to give her and Israel a miracle. But the miracle hinged upon Hanna’s prayer.
Beloved, don’t look at your current obstacle as a stumbling block. View your obstacle as an opportunity to pray and see the Lord work a miracle.