His Goodness in the Barrenness

His goodness in the barrenness

“So it went on year by year” -1 Samuel 1:7a

“And she vowed a vow and said, “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 to 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 Samuel 1:11

“In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.’” - 1 Samuel 1:20

1. Pray
“She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.” -1 Samuel 1:10

The key when you are in your barrenness is to be honest with the Lord. It isn’t for His sake, it’s for yours because if you aren’t honest it is breading ground for bitterness to take root.

2. Sit and Listen
“Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” - 1 Samuel 1:17

3. Worship
“Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah” 1 Samuel 1:19

Worship precedes victory

“And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were defeated.” - 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

4. It’s Okay to Not be Okay
“Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” - 1 Samuel 1:18b

5. Your History with Him
Don’t let one unanswered prayer or promise take away your months or years of history with God

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28

“Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 2:21