God exceeds our expectations — is this statement true?
I recently came across a startling observation in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2.
This story is one of my favorite stories in all of Scripture. Having recently read it, something jumped out at me this time that never did before.
Hannah pleads earnestly with God:
“O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look onto the affliction of your servant . . . and give to your servant a son . . .” (1 Samuel 1:11).
Hannah is in constant utter distress. She is barren (the Lord purposely closed her womb), she is being criticized by family and friends, can hardly eat, and is constantly weeping before God. Worst of all, she is seemingly misunderstood by everyone. No one understands her pain.
Though God makes her wait many years, he eventually grants her petition and gives her a son, Samuel. But God doesn’t stop there.
Here’s where the observation comes.
“Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the young man Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD (1 Samuel 2:21).
Incredible! Hannah prayed for years that God would merely give her one son. He did — and then he blessed her with an additional five children.
God exceeds our expectations — always.
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