1 Samuel 1

“So it went on year by year” (v7).  Hannah spent many years in distress because she had no children, while her “rival” (her husband’s other wife) deliberately provoked her and made the situation worse.  But God had not forgotten her. At the right time, God gave Hannah a son, whom she gave back for the Lord’s service (v11, v22).  The years of sadness and frustration were redeemed, and Hannah’s son grew up to one of Israel’s greatest prophets. 

“For this child I prayed …” (v27).  God always hears our prayers, and though we don’t know how or when He will answer, we trust His heart.  He is the Redeemer of our struggles and pain.