When Hard Things Happen

After my sophomore year of college, I visited my friend at the summer camp he worked at. I got to know some of the camp staff and enjoyed my visit, and I felt led to work there the next summer. I applied and had a great interview with the camp staff who remembered me, and they commented that I would surely get accepted. But a couple months later, I got a letter saying I did not get accepted. I was crushed and had no idea why this could possibly be happening.

We all face situations that make no sense and even seem hopeless, even as Christians. The only difference is that Christians should respond differently. The book 1 Samuel gives some history of the nation of Israel that reminds us of the ultimate authority in this world. Even when the world seems to be falling apart, we can be confident that God is in control. 1 Samuel 1:1-20 reminds us that the best way to navigate hard things is by following God.

¹ There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. ² He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. ³ Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. ⁴ On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. ⁵ But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. ⁶ And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. ⁷ So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. ⁸ And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” ⁹ After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. ¹⁰ She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. ¹¹ And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” ¹² As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. ¹³ Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. ¹⁴ And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” ¹⁵ But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. ¹⁶ Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” ¹⁷ Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” ¹⁸ And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. ¹⁹ They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. ²⁰ And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” – 1 Samuel 1:1-20

1. God is real when hard things happen

One of the most important roles for women in Hannah’s day was having children, so being barren was shameful. This was especially difficult when her husband’s other wife had many children. When we put worldly status first we will fall apart, so we must remember to keep God first in our hearts, even in painful circumstances.

2. God wants you to be real when hard things happen

Hannah would make the trip to Shiloh once a year, but the turning point in her story is when she pours out her honest thoughts to God. We do not need to make ourselves presentable before going to God. He can handle our messiness and pain, and He wants us to be transparent.

3. God is enough when hard things happen

Hannah genuinely believes that God hears her and cares for her, so she becomes joyful before He answers her prayer for a child. When God has our heart, we are content in Him. His love for us is a far greater source of strength than anything the world can provide.

4. God works in His time and for His purpose when hard things happen

God remembers Hannah, but He answers her prayer in the natural course of time according to His plan. As we walk with God, He brings our prayers into alignment with His desires. Our hope is in our confidence that God is working out His good plan.

When I did not get the camp job, God made it clear He was leading me to work at a church that summer. Even in the midst of hard times, we can confidently follow God because we know He is in control.

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