Why are you crying? by Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                                                                           

Text: 1 Sam.1:1-8

Topic: Why are you crying? 

The topic will be considered using the following sub-headings:

1. Some reasons Hannah cried

2. What she did afterwards

3. The test

4. Gods response

Some reasons Hannah cried

The topic was a question asked in the scripture 1Sam.1:8, a question from Hannah’s husband Elkanah to her, but in the segment we are poised to study her reasons (amongst others) for crying as it can also cause same today but for proper alignment to, focus on, faith in Him and His word 1Pt.5:7 and a great dose of grace to know and properly appropriate Rom.8:28 which says all things works together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. She cried because:

 

1.1  Her husband had two wives, shared: love, attention, rivalry of all sorts vs.2a

1.2  She did not have her own children just yet and as a human being she was perplexed vs.2b

1.3  She was taunted vs.5&6

Other reason that can make people cry today:

1.4  Pains, Hurts, betrayals, health, lack, loss: of love ones, jobs, business, profits e. t. c. Jesus calls to you today Matt. 11:28. Which says come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest from all your tears and woes.

What she did afterwards

It is never enough to cry, at times humanly speaking avoiding tears maybe impossible even Jesus while here had his fair share John 11:35,what is more important is what one does even after the tears, let take a brief look at what she did after her cry:

 

2.1 She went to Shiloh,vs.9 God’s house/place/God’s abode, a lot of people have been lured into, hurriedly/emotionally taken routes/solutions that attracts eternal regret and damnation after a little tear/cry, don’t join them. In it already? God can still deliver you even now Is.1:18, Rev.3:20

2.2 She prayed earnestly/bitterly vs.10, our God doesn’t reject being told our frustrations, shame, sin and woes, and also laying it bare while sobbing, have you told Him yours? You are totally safe with Him.

2.3 She had a specific request, give me a son Vs.11

2.4 She had faith vs. 17&18

The test

Test/trials of faith can come from anywhere/anyone, not minding her already bad situation, she was accused wrongly from an unexpected person, Priest Eli, not to offend her or as an act of wickedness but because he hadn’t seen that dimension of grief powered/mode of prayer before (with all his priestly experience) he took her for and called her a drunkard, we all have our limitations. She however handled the situation with meekness and that earned her a prayer which God answered and she birthed her first Son and one of the finest prophet in Israel vs.17. May God grant us more patience and maturity to handle issues not minding our situation/condition in Jesus mighty name Amen.

God’s response

God answered her prayers, He honoured and answered the prayers of His servant Eli and granted her a son Vs.20, her cries turned into laughter, and she was also given a new song 1 Sam.2:1ff, May we all have new songs in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

Shalom.