November 2-8, 2025
I recently spent some time with Hannah in the pages of Scripture. She went through a lot to reach a surrendered heart.
One beautiful example in this story is Hannah’s husband, Elkanah. He gave Hannah a double portion of the sacrifice because of his love for her, even in her barrenness. His devotion reminds us that love is not tied to productivity or success. Hannah was cherished simply because she was his beloved. This mirrors how God loves us. Our value is not diminished by what we lack or by seasons of waiting.
Through her suffering, Hannah clung to God in prayer. In pouring out her anguish, she discovered that the beloved are not ignored but heard. She entrusted her deepest longing to the One who loved her most, and in that surrender her faith grew.
God transformed her not only by giving her a son but by reshaping her heart. When she received Samuel, she surrendered him back to God. Belovedness is not about clinging to gifts but living open-handed before the Giver. From this trust came Samuel, the prophet who anointed Israel’s kings.
Hannah’s song resounds with the confidence of the beloved: “My heart rejoices in the Lord.” Her praise declared that God’s love overturns shame and rewrites every story.
I hope you find companionship with her in your study this month.
This week's Bible reading: 1 Samuel: 2: 17-26
Day 1: Hannah and Elkanah were still blessing Samuel with visits and bringing the gift of robes. How can you bless someone serving God this week as a reminder of their faithfulness and devotion?
Day 2: Eli prayed over Hannah that God would return to her what she gave over to God - her own son. Pray for another person today whose sacrifice to God is beautiful to you.
Day 3: Hannah’s story was redeemed by God’s hand upon her womb. She was blessed with 5 more children. What area of your life has been blessed after you sacrificed your need? Take some time to think about an area.
Day 4: As Eli grew old, he saw the sins of his sons becoming prolific. He confronted them and they still didn’t listen to him. It seems like disregard for God grew into a disregard for man. Where have you seen this happen in the lives around you? Family? Friends? Where did that sin begin?
Day 5: To contrast with that rocky path, we see that Samuel was committed to God, carried out His commands, and continued on that straight path. What area of your life has been steady and ultimately favored by God for your faithfulness?
Challenge: Gratitude practice is a way to celebrate the favor of the Lord. Write down three areas of your life you can give God praise for bringing favor. Throw on a worship song and dance. Share that praise with another brother or sister in Christ. Tell someone about what great things God has done!
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.