Living in a dysfunctional family does
not automatically mean that an individual will turn away from God. Neither
does turning to God guarantee that the problems of a destructive family
situation will go away. Reaching out to God, however, does ensure that we
will have a far better chance of coping despite the devastating
circumstances. Hannah lived in a difficult family situation. Her husband,
Elkanah had a second wife Peninnah. Such a relationship, although it may
have met certain needs, almost inevitably would lead to
problems.
Hannah's husband loved her more
than his other wife. He was unaware of the negative impact this would have
on the relationship between the wives. Peninnah became jealous of Hannah
and got back at her by flaunting the fact that she had children while
Hannah did not. Bearing children in ancient Israel gave the mother both
personal fulfillment and social
status.
Hannah acted with bitter anguish.
No amount of comforting by her husband could relieve her pain - she wanted
a child. In desperation, on a yearly pilgrimage to the Tabernacle, Hannah
silently poured out her grief to God. She pleaded for a son and vowed to
dedicate her child to God for his entire life. After admitting her
helplessness and her renewed spiritual confidence, then God would grant
her request. When God did give her a son, she named him Samuel, offered a
prayer of praise to God, and fulfilled her vow by dedicating Samuel to
God's service. God, in turn, blessed Hannah with additional children. Our
only hope is to turn our life over to God, regardless of the
circumstances, and then allow Him to work recovery and healing within
us. |
