Welcome to All Nations Community Church!
Pastor Terence opens with 1 Samuel 1 and invites us to learn from Hannah, a woman with a deep longing and a steadfast faith. Though God had closed her womb, and she was provoked by Peninnah, misunderstood by her husband, and misjudged by Eli, she did not retaliate. She poured out her soul to the Lord, trusted His character, and made a vow that honoured God.
We are reminded that God is sovereign and faithful, that He honours those who honour Him, 1 Samuel 2:30. We are urged to guard our words, Proverbs 18:21, to refuse revenge, Romans 12:19, and to seek God with all our hearts, Jeremiah 29:13. Waiting is not wasting, 2 Corinthians 4:17–18. At the appointed time, God answered, and Samuel was dedicated to serve the Lord.
May this message help you fix your focus on God, not comparison, not provocation, and keep believing for His perfect timing.
What this means for you
Hannah was hurt by people on every side. Peninnah mocked her. Her husband did not understand her pain. Even the priest thought she was drunk. But Hannah did not fight back. She took her pain to God.
That is a lesson for all of us. When people hurt us, we want to hit back with words. But Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord. God heard her, and in His time He gave her a son, Samuel, who became one of Israel's greatest prophets.
Maybe you are waiting for something you have prayed about for years. Keep praying. Keep trusting. God has not forgotten you. Waiting is not wasting when you wait with Him.
Questions to think about
How do you usually respond when people hurt or misunderstand you?
What long prayer are you still waiting for God to answer?
How can you guard your words this week?
Listen to the full sermon above.
