Advent Within Us

Hannah, The Courage to Believe

Hannah is my focus on this first Sunday of Advent. She, like Mary, had the courage to believe. The courage to believe that God had blessings waiting in the wings for her. How she must have battled the day to day thirst for soul blessings in a desert of barrenness. She had no fruit of the womb, nor fruit of the world. She had nothing to show for her life, nor even her existence. Yet, in the face of barrenness, she believed her life held a purpose and God had a perfect plan.

Peninah's critical voice did not detour Hannah's faith in God's good plan for her. Nor, did Hannah settle for worshiping Elkanah, a mortal man. She did not believe the words of condemnation Eli spoke over her. Hannah was able to press beyond the voice of criticism.* Hannah persevered and prevailed in prayer. Hannah held on to her God given vision.

What vision of Himself and of your own self has God given you? Are you holding to your vision in the face of criticism and condemnation? Let us prevail, through prayer, to bring the presence of the Lord into our lives this Advent season.

Pondering Hannah's Prayer became Praise

My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.

There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;

It is not by strength that one prevails;
those who oppose the Lord will be broken.

1 Samuel 2

 The world most often condemns us or asks us to conform.

The church may ask us to perform.

Jesus asks us to pray.

The Holy Spirit asks us to prevail.

God says prepare, for my presence.

 *J. Lee Grady's Fearless Daughters of the Bible

 Powerful words. Powerful women. The presence of a powerful God.