Powerful Pain Relief

Products that promise to alleviate pain and discomfort are everywhere. From headache pills to post-surgery relief, hundreds of companies promise to make the pain vanish. In the Bible we see a woman who found pain relief without any of these products: Hannah.

1 Samuel 1:10-11 – She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and … but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life.

Preview into Hannah’s Pain
In Biblical times, barrenness was seen as a divine curse, especially for women who bore the stigma of childlessness. Ridicule and mockery were commonplace. Without modern medical treatments, the lives of barren women were often marked by sorrow and depression.

Prayers Amidst Peril
Finding time for prayer in the midst of perilous times can feel like an extraordinary challenge. Despite the reassuring biblical promise that the Lord is near to the broken-hearted, we often find ourselves falling for the enemy’s tactics of distraction, disappointment, and detours.

Process of Prayer
We can learn a few lessons from Hannah’s prayer:

• Prayer & Petition: Verse 9 says : “..And she was in bitterness of soul and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.” While everyone else is enjoying the annual temple festivals, with friends, food, and lots of children, Hannah found a quiet place to pour her heart to the Lord.
• Praise Precedes Problems: And then she made a vow and said, “Lord of Hosts, if You will…” Did you know that Hannah is the first one to call God the “Lord of Hosts” (Jehovah Saboath)? In the past, God revealed Himself through various names, but it was a woman in the depths of despair who bestowed upon Him this famous title! She decided to proclaim God’s greatness before her problems.
• Promises to God: Hannah’s prayers and vows are specific. Essentially she is asking the Lord for a son, so that she can dedicate him for the Lord.
• Persevering in Prayer: Hannah’s prayer was not a one-time instant coffee type of prayer. Verse 12 says she kept on praying with quivering lips, and pouring her whole sorrow to the Lord. Too often, we settle for quick-fix prayers and blame God’s will when answers don’t come swiftly.
• Persuaded in Prayer: Verse 18 says: “Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” While her enemies still taunted her, and nothing had changed immediately, she was fully persuaded that God has answered her prayers.

Promised son, Perfect Prophet
In due time, Hannah’s son, prophet Samuel was born. Verse 11 says: “For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” In unwavering devotion, Hannah fulfilled her vows to the Lord, and in divine faithfulness, God blessed her with an additional five children! (1 Samuel 2:21)

Personal story
For those who know us, this story resonates with our family’s experiences. Through seven years of fervent prayers and many years of medical tests, the physical toll was immense. Yet, our sole source of hope and solace was the unwavering presence of the Lord. In due time, He graciously answered our prayers, blessing us with three precious children.

Life Application
As you navigate through life, sometimes things won’t work out as per our imaginations. God still has a plan for your pain. Trust Him knowing that as His child, He is with you in your problems. Isaiah 63:9 says: In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. Remember that though Hannah wanted a child, God wanted to give her a prophet. So keep persevering in prayer, God will surely answer you in ways you cannot imagine.

Spanish version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/potente-alivio-del-dolor/

Hindi version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/hindi-pages-list/शक्तिशाली-दर्द-निवारक/