Your weeping is turning into joy! You know the story of this woman married to a Levite from the Clan of Zuph called Elkanah. Although, he had two wives – Hannah and Peninnah, Elkanah loved Hannah so much, even when she was yet to have children for him. Peninnah, the co –wife already had children for their husband, and instead of being thankful, decided to taunt the other wife. Look at the way bible put it, “But Peninnah made fun of Hannah because the Lord had closed her womb. Year after year it was the same – Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Hannah would finally be reduced to tears and would not even eat.”1 Samuel 1: 6-7
I want you to fully appreciate the condition of this woman – Hannah. This was a young, beautiful, promising woman who left her father’s house and got married, with the hope of having all the blessings that go with marriage – including children. But this was not to be. Though, she had a loving husband, the co-wife made her life miserable. Each time Hannah made some positive efforts to move on with life in spite of being barren, the co-wife Peninnah would quickly remind of her the position of a barren woman in a family, especially in a polygamous one. And as a result, Hannah would soak herself with tears. In very deep anguish she would cry bitterly and even refuse to eat. This was the situation of this woman for so many years.
You may not appreciate what this woman was going through unless you have been in a similar situation. One of the greatest trials any one could go through in this life is childlessness. This explains the reason why people go to any length to seek the fruit of the womb. Some even step into forbidden places. Others drink horrible concoctions, just to see that they have babies like others. Some weep uncontrollably in their closets and ask God why He should allow them to pass such situations. Yes! Children are that important. Children are like crown on their parents. They are sweet companions for the present, security for your old age and also a guarantee for the continuation of your name and a link to your next generation. Even God recognizes the importance of them and promised that no barren woman shall be found in His house. Then, you may also listen to the Psalmist. I think his is a profound declaration on the importance of children, “Children are a gift from the LORD, they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior’s hands. How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame, when he confronts his accusers at the City gates” Psalm 127: 3-5.
Did you read that? That is true. Hannah understood all this and each time the reality dawns on her, the bible says that she would be reduced to tears. Her life was bitter. She even refused to be consoled by her husband’s love and care. Yes, because what she wanted was a child and nothing less. You will agree with me that this woman was humiliated, and was actually sitting in ashes and shame. Yes, for a very long time! There may be a particular thing you’re expecting from God; that is paramount to your destiny. Or you could even be exactly in Hannah’s shoes – childless, unproductive. I want to tell you that all hope is not yet lost. We have a God that can turn ashes into beauty. I have seen Him giving children to hitherto childless couple. What He did in the bible He is repeating even in own time. He has not changed. He said that He made you to be fruitful. So you must not accept that you’re barren. He wants you to be fruitful in every area of your life.
Maybe, there are other areas in your life that have been unproductive, after today they will begin to yield fruits in Jesus’ name! Hannah’s case was the same year after year. Though she went with the other members of the family to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty, yet her situation remained the same. Are there unpleasant situations that have refused to go away in your own life? You’ve done everything necessary, but the story still remains the same. Hannah was there. This woman covered with sorrow, tears, shame and ashes of disparagement and childlessness, decided once at Shiloh to settle her case once and for all. After supper, when every other person would have slept, Hannah went to the Tabernacle to slog it out with God, to wrestle with Him in prayer. Midnight warrior! We are of the same school. Have you read my book Power of Midnight? With anguish and tears, in the midnight she made this vow to the Almighty, “O LORD Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.”
That was all Hannah needed for her miracle. Immediately, God made an arrangement for the Priest Eli to come around and seal that vow with a prophetic utterance. Vows and prophetic utterances are some of the strongest and highest level of Spiritual ordinances in the kingdom of God. After praying and fasting, the next level you must take you case to is Vow and Prophetic levels. God is very interested in what you’re going to use what He will give you to do. He wants to see that your requests and prayers are not selfish. He also wants you to argue your case out. Why must He give you what you are asking from Him? Then, He would release them through His prophetic (Ministers). There is no problem that can defy genuine vow and prophetic release. Try it today and see the results!, A lady just told she was under a heavy spiritual attack and she suspects her two former friends. She had prayed and done all she could but the attack persisted. I quickly pronounced to her that the attack was stopping right away and it did. With munities she sent back a word that it had stopped! My God! I think this is one of the fastest answers to prayer I have ever experienced. The prophetic interventions of the ministers of the gospel are always powerful and final. God said that he honours the words of his servants! After these, God visited Hannah in a big way. God gave her a son – Samuel (one of the greatest prophets ever lived). He also gave her two sons and daughters. God turned Hannah’s ashes into beauty. Her sorrows and tears into rejoicing. I see Him doing the same for you today in Jesus’ name, Amen!
