What Is Your Petition?

   In 1Samuel, chapter 1, we read of a woman named Hannah. She was married to a man named Elkanah. He loved her(v. 5) and was 'better to her than ten sons'(v. 8). However, there was something that Hannah desired that her husband could not give her. She longed for a child! Now, he was able to produce children, for he was father to sons and daughters with his other wife, Peninnah. The problem was- Hannah was barren. Peninnah, like the enemy we encounter every day in our own lives, provoked Hannah and made her fret because she couldn't have a child. She taunted her like the devil taunts God's children, when we are faced with impossible situations. BUT GOD...who was witness to the unbearable bullying of Peninnah against Hannah, decided that enough was enough! So, when Hannah went into the temple to pray- as she always did- her SUDDENLY moment came! Her broken, bleeding heart of trust in the God she served, was finally broken into so many pieces, that even her husband's love, provision, and gifts of granduer,  could not repair it anymore! Her heart was truly shattered!
   BUT GOD... in His loving mercy, recognized the cry of a soul that had reached the end of her rope that had a knot in it, but could no longer keep her from falling... As she wept bitterly while praying in the temple, she vowed a vow unto the God of her salvation. In verse 11, she said, "O Lord of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thine handmaid- and REMEMBER me- and NOT FORGET Thine handmaid, but will give unto Thine handmaid, a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head!" If you'll notice, she kept referring to herself as God's handmaid. She was reminding Him that she was His servant. She did not come in a demanding way or with a deserving attitude, but humbly reminded God that she was His servant. Maybe she was saying that even though she was only a servant, that she was still important and that even the servants are worth remembering! Yes, we are God's servants, but we are His children. He will NEVER forget or forsake His children! He WILL remember us! I guess Hannah felt like we do sometimes, when we wonder if God remembers where we are. He knows exactly what we are going through and exactly when and how to deliver us! Hannah was at her wit's end with Peninnah's cruel words and with watching her and Elkanah have child after child through the years--but no child for her. She was God's handmaid. His servant. Yet Peninnah was rewarded with the children! What an injustice- or so it seemed. Yes, Peninnah had many children with Elkanah, but there was still an emptiness in her that God would have loved to fill, if only she would have asked. Peninnah had longings too! That's why she lashed out at Hannah. She wanted Hannah's strength and Elkanah's deep love for her as well!
   BUT GOD... in all His faithfulness, decided it was time to reveal His glory! Eli thought Hannah was drunk because she only moved her lips when she prayed. God didn't need to hear her outspoken words. He heard her broken, trusting heart as it shattered for the last time. He knew this was more than she could bear. It was time for a miracle and time for her to be honored for her stedfast faithfulness. Hannah knew that if God didn't answer her petition, that there would be no answer to suffice.
   Eli told Hannah to 'go in peace', and that God would grant her petition that she asked of Him. So Hannah went her way, ate, and was sad no more! WHAT IS YOUR PETITION? Have you been humble in asking God for what you need? Have you been faithful in service to the Kingdom? These questions are for me too! I'm not perfect, but my heart  perfectly longs to serve my Heavenly Father and be who He needs me to be. Do I battle doubt? YES! Will I yield to it? NO! Not as long as God will grant me grace and strength- and He will. Let your heart speak to God. Allow yourself to fall helplessly into His arms in total abandon! Trust that He has heard your petition and will give you a SUDDENLY answer like He did for Hannah. REMEMBER...the taunting of the enemy is a sure sign that your answer is on the way!