1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NKJV) And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation”. “No one is holy like the Lord. For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.”

Introduction

Together we will learn how to remain in the through prayer and faith in the midst of a barren situation or an unfilled longing.

Unwavering is defined as:

• Continuing in a strong and steady way. The ability to remain steadfast, immovable, unyielding, constant, and determined.
• As believers, followers of Christ, we should be firm in faith and unshakable in prayer. If we are firm, we will not allow ourselves to be shaken when we face trials or difficulties. For if you will not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9 NIV).
• When your faith is challenged, remember that we stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ.

• • 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
  • James 1:12 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

• • 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV) Be watchful, stand firm in the faith….
  • Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Let’s look briefly at the story of Hannah: An Excellent biblical example of prayer and faith. Hannah longed for a baby of her own, she carried an unfulfilled longing.

What is your unfulfilled desire…

• Is it a longing for a child,
• It is wayward child to return home,
• Is it a career where you find meaning,
• Is it a desire for a spouse,
• Is it marriage restoration,
• Is it for healing in your body
• Is it financial stability.

We all have experienced or are experiencing the void of an unfulfilled longing or dream.

Hannah had a battle plan to remain in that unwavering place in the midst of her barren season. Her battleplan was that she:

1. Trusted in God’s Sovereignty
2. Devoted to Prayer
3. Stood Firm in Faith

Body: Point #1

1 Samuel 1:5 (NKJV)

But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb.

But if you pay close attention to the end of verse 5 we notice, “.”

There are times when we don’t understand the WHY’S behind God’s purpose, but we can be assured that God has a plan. He did then and He does now. God’s timing is perfect .

Definition of Sovereignty: God is all powerful, He has all authority, and He is the source of everything that exists. The Almighty is in control of our lives as he accomplished His perfect will.

Psalms 103:19 (NKJV) -The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe].

• God is sovereign of the universe and everything is within His power, however, God sovereignty is not in the

God is controlling the situation not us, Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways. And My thoughts than your thoughts.His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.”

We saw in this passage it was God who closed up Hannah’s womb. Could it be that God has allowed it. Then that should give us hope in victory, becuase God is in control.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The enemy tries to bring doubt to distract us from what we’re believing God for.

1 Samuel 1:6 (NKJV) – and her rival (Peninnah, husband’s wife) also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb.

• When we are trying to remain in the unwavering place that does not make us obsolete from the attacks of the enemy.

“provoked her ” – The severity of the attack is designed to try and persuaded us to stop standing.

Luke 10:19 (AMP) – Listen carefully: I have given you authority (that you now possess) to tread on serpents and scorpions and (ability to exercise) over all the power of the enemy (Satan); nothing will (in any way) harm you.

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of []the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1 Samuel 2:1 (NKJV) I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

This prayer was a part of Hannah’s victory. Hannah was smiling because she knew that God was her redeemer, rescuer, and her ultimate savior.

Body: Point #2

The next part of Hannah’s battle plan was explained in…

“ is a natural outflow of those in communion with Christ.”(Charles Spurgeon)

1 Samuel 1:10 – 11 (NKJV) And she was in bitterness of soul, and and wept in anguish. “Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”

I love this verse because it shows Hannah’s prayer posture:

1. Prayed with anguish.(Fervent in prayer)
2. Acknowledge God as her Master and saw herself as His servant (Humble)
3. Asked the Lord to remember her. (had Relationship with God)
4. Made a vow to the Lord. (Trusted in God)

1. PRAYER IS Dependence on God: Through prayer we declare our dependence on Jesus and draw upon His wisdom and strength.

Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges – “Prayer assumes the sovereignty of God. If God is not sovereign, we have no assurance that He is able to answer our prayers.”

Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer. He prayed often. (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28-29 and Luke 22:44). When seeds of prayer are planted, they must grow. God promise His Word shall not return void.

b. PRAYER IS Intimacy with God:Through prayer, we tell God how much we love Him and we allow HIs love for us to fill our souls to overflowing. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. (Jame 4:8)

It’s difficult to know someone if we seldom talk to that person or if the only time we communicate is when we want something, Likewise, with our Heavenly Father, it’s hard to get to know him without ongoing daily communication With Him.

c. PRAYER Develops devotion to intercession: We will find that the more we pray, the more we want to pray, and we will find more to pray about. We can trust that God always hears our prayers; something is happening whether we can see it or not.(1 Timothy 2:1-2; Ephesian 6:18).

Body: Point #3

3.

Prayer is contingent upon our Faith

1 Samuel 1:17-18 (NKJV)

Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.”

• Faith does not come by happenstance, it comes by believing God’s Word just as Hannah believed.

The Lord blessed Hannah with a son, Samuel, because of her faithfulness/obedience not only did God bless her with one child, but she bore more children.

Conclusion

Remaining steadfast, immovable, unyielding and constant in prayer we will allow ourselves to not be shaken when we face trials or difficulties in our lives. Even though we are facing the storm we can remain.

Hannah’s prayer : 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NKJV) And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord;

My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation”. “No one is holy like the Lord. For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.”

We don’t have to wait until we have the victory, to declare the prayer Hannah prayed. As long as we trust in the sovereignty of God, devote ourselves to prayer, and stand firm in our faith, we can have assurance that God will work everything out for our good and His glory.

If you are struggling to remain steadfast:

• Abide in Him (John 15:7)
• Cast all your cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)
• Dwell in that secret Place (Psalms 91)
• Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8)
• Delight Thyself in the Lord (Psalms 37:4)
• Trust in the Lord (Proverbs: 3:5-6)
• Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)
• Rest In the Lord (Matthew 11:28)
• Pray without ceasing (I Thes 5:17-19)
• Wait patiently for the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart (Psalm 27:14)
• Cast down every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:4)

When I reflect on the life of Jesus, I am moved by His unwavering devotion to the Father. His number one priority was to be close to the Father’s Heart resulting in actions motivated by faith and love. No matter how busy Jesus was, His number one priority was to spend time with His Father.

Practical Steps to Remain in the Unwavering Place

1. Be consistent in prayer
2. Pray with Intentionality/Anticipation
3. Worship
4. Read God’s Word before engaging in Prayer
5. Get Involved: Corporate Prayer, Prayer Meetings, Prayer Groups, Life Group Participation and Bible Studies
6. Prayer Partners (Pray with others)
7. Re-emphasize Scriptural Meditation: Reading, Talking, Listening, Pondering, Reflection

© Perrilla Woodard, 2022