How Long

“How many times, Lord?” The young woman rocked back and forth while her whole body trembled. “I don’t know how much more I can take. Lord, you are a good God. Even in my sorrow, I trust you.” She closed her eyes, and silent tears ran like rivers down her cheeks. Her resolve to trust the Lord waned as she began to cry again. “I don’t understand your ways. Why oh why haven’t you answered my prayer! Do you hear me, Lord?” She had come to the end of her rope. Could she go one, and yet she must. Year after year, she cried, not seeing the answer to her prayers.

Once again, she found herself praying the same prayer. There were no words, only tears this time. Deep inside of her, she shook. Her mouth moved, but no words came out. Her sorrow had reached a new depth. What could she say?

Finally, she made a promise to God. “If you will give me a son, I will give him back to you.” Samuel was born, and Hannah gave him back to the Lord. He grew to become a great prophet and leader. His life was not only the answer to her prayers but that of a nation as well. This was all established that day as his mother cried out to God one more time. Her story doesn’t end there; she went on to have five more children, three sons, and two daughters. God, more than answered her prayers.

Perhaps you are like Hannah. You have prayed and prayed, wondering if God is even listening. You have cried until there are no more tears. Be like Hannah. Don’t give up—work at building your faith. Pray one more time. Give your requests to God and trust Him. He never fails. His timing isn’t always our timing, and his answers are sometimes hidden in the busyness of our lives. Pour out your heart. Take a chance trusting the God who loves you more than you know. Be persistent and don’t give up. Your answer might be the answer our nation needs as well.

1Samuel 2:9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.”

Zechariah 4:6

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.