I Samuel 1:18
‘She said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.’
This is a demonstration of faith. Hannah lived in a hostile environment with the other wife bullying her, while the self centered husband was not able to empathize. We witnessed her in verses 12 to 14 pouring out her heart to the Lord. This was so intense that the high priest thought she was drunk. Hannah replied that she was oppressed and was bringing her great concerns to the Lord. He told her, “may your prayers be answered.” That’s what she wanted to hear. She trusted the Lord for help.
Hannah’s problem wasn’t resolved. However she acted as if it was. The verse said she was no longer sad. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” She had an assurance that it would happen. This is more than positive thinking. It’s divinely provided. Without Christ this cannot be experienced. One knows that it will occur.
Hannah could rest knowing that help was on the way. That’s what faith does. It gives confidence. The worry and anxiety dissipate. Matthew 11:29 speaks of how in Christ we find “rest for our souls”.
If faith comes from God, how do we acquire it? Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” As we read the Bible and hear it taught faith is generated. It grows in us like a plant. In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains how faith must be acted on if it’s to grow (Matthew 13). Hannah chose to believe. She didn’t ask follow up questions, such “When should I expect this”? She rested in it and was no longer sad.
Lord, Thank You for faith. Help us to rest in it.