November 10, 2024

Overcoming Barrenness

I Samuel 1:10–11 says,

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”

These words are written about Hannah, who was barren. But God answered her prayer by giving her a son, and he became one of the most prominent figures in Biblical history—Samuel.

Perhaps there is a “barrenness” in some area of your life, and like Hannah, who was tormented by her adversary—so it is with you. Prayer can change things. It did in Hannah’s life, and it can in yours. But there are several things about Hannah’s prayer that we need to consider:

1. Hannah’s prayer was not casual. It was heartfelt and deep. Too much of our praying is “skin deep.” Only prayers that originate from deep within us get God’s attention. James 5:16 declares that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

2. Hannah’s prayer was specific. She asked for a male child. Too much of our praying is too general. Don’t be afraid to be specific in your requests.

3. Hannah wanted the answer to her prayer to glorify God. Her boy would be dedicated to God’s service. When our prayers take on the purpose of glorifying God, we have moved into a higher realm.

If you are experiencing a barrenness in any arena of life, pray. And let your prayers be heartfelt, specific, and for the glory of God.

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