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What should we do when life is unfair and everything feels out of control? In this episode, we are reflecting on God’s powerful response to the cries of the powerless. If today you are feeling helpless before bullies and institutions, listen in. Today’s message will encourage and empower you. And if you are in a position of authority, stay tuned. This reflection will inspire you to humbly use your power to lift others up.
Bible Reading
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Reflection Questions
- In what areas has God given you power? How can you use your position to elevate others this week?
- In what ways do you feel powerless today? How does today’s message encourage you?
- Take a moment to remember Jesus and how his humble suffering led to the power of resurrection life.
Want to Go Deeper?
Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion.
Show Credits
- Host: Cheree Hayes
- Message: Dr. Tim Mackie
- Production and Bible Reading: Michelle Jones
- Theme music: Grant William Harold
- Background Music: Jon Gegelman, Carried Strings of Epic Kings
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Reflect
Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.
- In what areas has God given you power? How can you use your position to elevate others this week?
- In what ways do you feel powerless today? How does today’s message encourage you?
- Take a moment to remember Jesus and how his humble suffering led to the power of resurrection life.
Go Deeper
If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.
When you feel powerless and alone in your hardship, remember that you are not alone. You stand alongside amazing people like Hannah, who brought her pain to God even when she couldn’t see how his plan would work out. The biblical story honors the experience that many of us have in times of suffering. God sees and cares for his people. He gives strength to the weak and power to the faint. All those who wait patiently for God learn that he has a habit of bringing new hope through the greatest of challenges.
Message Question
How did Tim’s message challenge or encourage you today?
Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Luke 1:46-55
- Review 1 Samuel 1:1-6. Describe Hannah’s painful situation in your own words. In what ways can you relate to Hannah?
- Continue to review 1 Samuel 1:1-6. Why do you think Peninnah bullied Hannah? In what areas has God given you power? How can you use your position to elevate others this week?
- How do people respond to God and others in painful times? Review 1 Samuel 1:10-20. How did Hannah respond to God and others in her suffering?
- Review 1 Samuel 1:17-18. What did Hannah need to trust and understand about God, herself, and her situation in order to feel resolved? How does her prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 demonstrate her trust and understanding?
- Notice how the word “anointed” is used in 1 Samuel 2:10. In Hebrew the word is mashiakh, or messiah, and it’s the first time this word is used to describe a future king. With Jesus the Messiah in mind, review Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10). What do you observe?
- Mary, the mother of Jesus, alluded to Hannah’s poetic prayer many times in her own prayers. Read Mary’s words in Luke 1:46-55 and compare them to Hannah’s words in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. What do you observe?
- Take a moment to consider how Jesus’ humble suffering led to the power of resurrection life. Express your appreciation to him in a prayer. Be honest about the ways you have misused your power or underestimated the kindness of his power toward you. Ask for his help and trust that he hears you.