1 Samuel 1:5-10
Hannah played a crucial role in God’s ultimate plan. Her son, Samuel, was conceived and dedicated to the house of God. Samuel would grow to become a mighty prophet of Israel. Favored at a young age, God spoke to him about the impending death of his mentor Eli and Eli’s disobedient sons. Samuel’s arrival in Israel came at a pivotal time when the children of Israel were transitioning from being ruled by judges to being ruled by kings.
In God’s perfect timing, Samuel, the son of Hannah and Elkanah, became Israel’s prophet. During his lifetime, he anointed Israel’s first king, David, the son of Jesse. God’s first message to Samuel was about Eli, the head priest, and his sons’ disrespect. David, anointed by Samuel, became one of Israel’s fiercest and most beloved kings. He wrote psalms, defeated bears and lions, led armies, and killed Goliath, the giant.
Another story about God’s ultimate plan involves Mary, the mother of Jesus, found in Luke 1:38. Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit while engaged to Joseph. God’s perfect timing brought His Son, Jesus, into the world through this miraculous birth. Mary had planned to marry Joseph and then have a child, but God’s plan was for her to conceive through the Holy Spirit. At that time, Mary could have been stoned to death for conceiving out of wedlock. However, Mary’s response to God was, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
God’s Set Plan
God has a set plan, and He is always working towards it. The trouble is, we are working with limited information. We become impatient and upset when He doesn’t answer prayers when we think He should or in the way we think He should. The anguish of Hannah’s prayers led to the deliverance of Israel through Samuel. The danger of Mary becoming pregnant out of wedlock led to the hope and salvation of mankind through Jesus. Both women were chosen by God to be part of His ultimate plan.
