Sunday, 28th September 2014
Rev. Daniel Poon
Sometimes we feel the mission set ahead of us is bigger than what we can handle, but this morning Rev. Daniel reminds us that it’s not by our strength but through God, all things are possible. Through the story of Hannah, we witness the miracle of praying by faith and believing.
In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk” (1 Samuel 1:10-13)
Hannah, a faithful woman, faced a difficult situation, as her husband’s other wife had children, but she didn’t. However Hannah prayed non-stop, and even the priest thought she was drunk! Our God is a faithful God and He always listens to our prayers, He is just waiting for the best timing to respond to us.
Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. (1 Samuel 1:17-18)
1. To Keep On Praying
Rev. Daniel shared with us Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This is what Jesus instructed and promised us, as long as we keep on praying, never give up, then God will show us His favour. We need to have faith, not only just saying it, but making it in action! Rev. Daniel shared with us how he prayed for a car and God granted him the perfect car at the perfect price! So keep on praying and the miracle will happen!
2. To Fulfil Vow
We need to take the challenge, own the mission, tell God ‘this mission is mine!’ and pray about it. It says in 1 Samuel 1:10-11, that “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’” Hannah took the step forward by giving her son to the Lord. We should try our very best and God will do His part.
There are three points Rev. Daniel shared that are important in making a vow with God:
- Have an offering Heart – God looks at our heart; it’s not how much we can offer, but how true our heart is for God!
- Have to pay the price – we need to show God how serious we are about fulfilling the vow, and paying a price is to tell God we are willing.
- Have to glorify the Lord – all things we do should glorify God. Hannah used her vow and her prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 to show how she honour God.
It’s not by our might or strength, but by the God Almighty, we can do all things. So today, do not be afraid, but keep on praying and God will give us more than we can ever ask for! God did not only give Hannah one son, but after Samuel, she had 3 more sons and 2 daughters! “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princesand has them inherit a throne of honor.” (1 Samuel 2:8)