There was a certain man named Elkanah who had two wives; one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, Hanna had none. Every year Elkanah left the city with his family to worship, and when it was time to offer sacrifice, Elkanah gave Peninnah and her children their portions for the offering. But Hanna, though given a worthy portion because she was the most beloved wife, was tormented inwardly because she had not received the very thing she desired the most.. a child.

Hanna rose up early one morning and approached the temple of the Lord where she prayed and wept sore, vowing to God that if He would look upon her affliction and give her a son, that she would dedicate his life to the service of the Lord for all the day's of the childs life. After praying, Hannah wiped her eyes and the bible says that her countenance was no more sad, because she believed that God had heard her.

Now at that time, the leadership of Isreal was in a critical transition from Judges to Kings. Spiritual leadership was in a state of corruption. The sons of the preists used their status to continue to corrupt the people. It was safe to say that there was no spiritual vision, and no one to lead the people back to God.

As Hannah's tears hit the floor of the alter, and she began to cry out to the Lord, the vow she made aligned perfectly with God's perfect purpose for Isreal (The leadership he desired for his people) and He opened her womb.

Many often times it seems that God delays giving us the very desire of our hearts, but it is so that He can give us something greater.. The desire of our heart according to his perfect purpose.

So God kept his appointment with Hannah, and she bore a son and named him Samuel. As she promised she dedicated him to the service of the Lord, and when God was ready, he called Samuel to His intended purpose. Samuel became the very prophet that Anointed King David, a man after God's own heart, who from his linege, came Jesus Himself - whom we called the Son of David, the Son who was promised way back from Genesis.

How be it that Hannah's trial produced such great a purpose. Hannah was no doubt in God's mind the entire time!

Be encouraged, be strong, be in prayer and have faith , knowing that before the world was formed that you too were in God's mind, and that your intended promise IS worth the wait......

All things are possible.. Only believe

1st Samuel vs 1 and on.