Ordinary people, extraordinary God – Barren, broken, breakthrough and blessed

1 Samuel 1:1-2, 6-7, 9-28; 2:1-10

1. God works through barrenness (1 Samuel 1:6-7) – God works through the foolish and weak things of the world. Most of us are weak, but God can use ordinary people. God did amazing restorations of Israel through barren women. We may feel barren, broken, useless, rejected, mocked, etc, but God can take and use us powerfully in His kingdom. God specialises in things thought impossible.
2. God works through brokenness (1 Samuel 1:10-11) – Why does it seem that sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers? We need to be asking what God how He wants to use the pain and grief in our lives. Barrenness drove Hannah to seeking God in fervent prayer and dedicating Samuel to God. We tend to seek God the most when we are going through tough times. God can work through our pain and brokenness when we are seeking Him in prayer. We are called to be living sacrifices to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2). Hannah needed her son to save her from her brokenness and God needed her son to restore Israel.
3. God brings breakthrough (1 Samuel 1:10-18) – Hannah’s breakthrough came lo g before Samuel was conceived (1 Samuel 1:10-18). Hannah believed God for the blessing Eli had spoken over her. God spoke to her in this blessing. Her outlook changed even though she was still barren. The blessing of Eli changed her mourning into rejoicing and sorrow into joy. She became confident that her prayers would be answered (1 Samuel 1:19). When she knew she was pregnant she was determined to fulfil her vow to dedicate Samuel to the Lord.
4. God brings blessings (1 Samuel 2:1-10) – Hannah’s prayer song is a celebration of God and His blessings. Her song was also prophetic and looked forward to the salvation of Israel through the coming of the Messiah (1 Samuel 2:10). Mary’s song (Luke 1:46-55) was modelled on Hannah’s song.