God Inspired Her

Have you ever prayed for something- deeply, desperately, -and waited?

Waiting on unanswered prayers is a topic that touches almost every soul at some point in life. Waited so long that words ran out. Waited until hope evaporated from deep within your soul. Waited until you started to wonder: Is God listening to me?

There is a different kind of ache that comes in the waiting. This is especially true when it feels like your prayers are met with silence. At first you pray with hope and an intense faith. You believe. You trust.

You say, “God will come through. I just need to be patient.”

But as the days go by…and the silence grows louder…doubt starts to set in.

You start to wonder….

“Did I pray the wrong way? I am just too far from God that He doesn’t hear me? Am I not worthy of an answer?”

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What Does This Silence Mean?

The silence and stillness from God can mean something else. What if the silence is a pause, not a punishment? A preparation, not a rejection?

When a teacher leaves a room during a test, it doesn’t mean they’ve left the room. It means the lesson has been given. Now it’s time for God to see if you grow and align with His word. Will you seek Him first? Will fear take over your purpose that He has for you? Will your faith be so powerful that no man can separate your belief in our Holy Father?

Many people in the Bible held on to God’s promises. They did so even when their hearts were broken and aching for answers. One of those people is Hannah. Let’s focus on how she got through her pain.

Hannah Acknowledged Her Pain

1 Samuel 1:2-3

In verses 2-3, we see Hannah’s pain clearly. She was deeply distressed because she was unable to bear children. She felt shamed in a culture where a woman’s value was often tied to their ability to have children. It’s important to acknowledge our pain and not shy away from it. God invites us to bring our struggles to Him. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When we acknowledge our pain, we open ourselves up to God’s healing presence. As we grow closer to God, He draws near to us.

Seek God in Your Waiting

1 Samuel 1:4-5

In verses 4-5, we see that Hannah’s husband, Elkanah, would give her a double portion of the offering because he loved her. Yet, this did not fill the void in her heart. In our waiting, we must seek God earnestly. James 4:8 encourages us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Hannah’s desire for a child drove her to the temple to pray. Let us also draw near to God in prayer and worship, seeking His presence even when we feel distant.

Trust God’s Timing

1 Samuel 1:6-8

In verses 6-8, we see Hannah’s struggle with her rival, Peninnah, who taunted her. Despite the pain, Hannah continued to trust in God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Waiting can be difficult, but it is often in the waiting that our faith is strengthened. We must remember that God’s timing is perfect. He is working behind the scenes even when we cannot see it.

A list of things to do and remember while you wait on your unanswered prayers:

Practice perseverance: James 1:12- Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Seek God’s presence daily: Matthew 6:33- But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Trust in God’s plan: Proverbs 3:5-6 –Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Surround yourself with a supportive community: Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day drawing nearer.

Embrace patience: Psalm 27:14- Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

As we reflect on Hannah’s story, let us remember that waiting for unanswered prayers is a part of our faith journey. Acknowledge your pain, seek God in your waiting, and trust His timing. God hears our cries and sees our struggles. He is faithful to respond in His perfect way and time.

Reflection Questions

1. What prayer have you been waiting on for a long time? How has the waiting affected your relationship with God?
2. Have you ever looked back and realized that a “no” or “not yet” from God was actually for your good?
3. How can you grow in faith and trust during seasons of silence from God?
4. What scriptures remind you of God’s faithfulness in the waiting?

Janice