October 26-November 1, 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: 9-16
Day 1: Eli’s sons were not honoring the Lord in the practice of sacrifices. Why was this so bothersome?
Day 2: The priests were held to a higher standard. How do you think Eli felt when he found his sons were disgracing his God?
Day 3: What might be an area of your life where you are not having regard for the Lord’s commands?
Day 4: Eli’s sons were corrupt and stealing from God. What do you think some of those conversations were like between this father and his sons? Where do you think Eli missed the responsibility in his parenting?
Day 5: Ultimately, Eli would be judged for the sins of his sons. What areas of sin have you allowed to seep into your own family? If you are single, are there areas where you have fallen short with your friends? Where might you be held responsible?
Challenge: People were avoiding worship because of the sins of Eli’s sons, who were supposed to be set apart as holy priests. Think about a time when someone of God disappointed you. You may have held onto that disappointment. Say a prayer of forgiveness, releasing that person or that sin back to the Lord.
(Note: You may not be able to have a conversation with a person of God who hurt you. Know that forgiveness can still be effective without a direct conversation. Ask God to help you fully release the pain and invite Him to bring healing!)
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.