IMITATE THEIR FAITH-"Self-Concerned No More"

In the early hours, the household was bustling. Everyone was getting ready for the trip, even the children. The journey to Shiloh would take the large family across more than 20 miles of the hilly country of Ephraim.  On foot, the trek would last a day or two. Hannah knew how her rival would act. However, Hannah did not stay at home. She thus set a sterling example for worshippers of God to this day.  It is never wise to let the misconduct of others interfere with our worship of God.  Were we to do so, we would miss out on the very blessings that strengthen us to endure. 

After a long day on winding mountain roads, the large family at last neared Shiloh. There it sat, on a hill nearly ringed by higher hills. As they approached, Hannah likely thought a great deal about what she would say in prayer to Jehovah.  Once they arrived, the family shared a meal. Hannah pulled away from the group as soon as she could and made her way to the tabernacle of Jehovah.  High Priest Eli was there, sitting near the doorpost of the temple.  But Hannah's focus was on her God. Here at the tabernacle, she felt confident that she would be heard. If no one else could fully understand her plight, her Father in heaven could.  Her bitterness welled up within her, and she began to weep. 

As the sobs racked her body, Hannah spoke within herself to Jehovah. Her lips quivered as she mentally formed the words to express her pain. And she prayed at length, pouring out her heart to her Father. She did more, though, than just ask God to fulfill her desperate urge to bear offspring.  Hannah was keen not only  to receive blessings from God but also to give him what she could. So she made a vow, saying that if she had a son, she would dedicate the child to a life of service to Jehovah. - 1 Samuel 1:9-11.  

Next time: Conclusion of IMITATE THEIR FAITH-"Self-Concerned No More"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010