Daily
Devotional

The Old Testament story of Hannah is often used as an example of persevering in prayer, but this account also has a lesson about a gentle attitude. In 1 Samuel we read that Hannah was a loving wife who longed to also be a mother. In her society, it was a shame for a married woman not to have children, and she was tormented because she had none. One day, she went to church and prayed with her whole heart, asking God to give her a child. The priest in the Temple, seeing her lips move as she prayed silently, mistakenly assumed she was drunk! However, as he began to reprimand her, she was patient and did not get angry. She instead answered respectfully, assuring him that she was not drunk but was praying with a heavy heart. Once he realized the situation, the man of God informed her that her prayer would be answered, and indeed, it was! Very soon she was blessed with a son.

If ever a person was misunderstood, surely it was Hannah. She could easily have been offended and become angry at such a mistaken accusation, but instead, what a wonderful example she gave us! In answer to her heartfelt prayers, the Lord rewarded her with not only one child, but six.

It is easy to become defensive when someone mistakes our motives. Yet, consider how easy it is to make that same mistake ourselves. When we give Christ our hearts, He makes a wonderful change in our actions and motives; however, He does not give us the ability to read one another’s minds. If we make an effort to communicate the best we can, and to be patient and loving towards others, we will see God bless our relationships and work on our behalf.