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REFLECTIONS
Two responses to unanswered prayer

Helen Giesbrecht

Genesis 30:1-24; 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 10

There was much unhappiness in the households of the two Jewish women. Each was favoured by her husband. Both had to contend with a second wife in the family. And there were children around them. Then why the sadness? They were both childless.

How did each one cope? Peevish Rachel begged, blamed, demanded and manipulated. Hannah, amid taunting and provocation, wept, refused to eat, prayed and vowed.

In God’s time, He remembered both, and each cradled a son.

What striking responses to God’s intervention! Rachel rejoiced that the stigma of childlessness had been removed and asked for another son. Sadly, with the granting of this request, beautiful Rachel lost her own life. Hannah kept her vow and burst forth in praise and overflowing gratitude. Later, she was given more children.

What is my attitude to unfulfilled dreams and unanswered prayers when heaven is silent? Is there discontent, frustration, impatience? Can we “wait upon the Lord” and accept our circumstances? God does remember; we are not forgotten. In His time, we will lift our voices in praise to the Almighty Giver of all good gifts, the goal of all divine intervention.

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Helen Giesbrecht of Abbotsford, B.C.

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Last modified December 3, 2000.

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