Hannah had deep anguish in her heart. Why did Hannah suffer like this? First, she was unable to bear a child. Second, her husband’s other wife ­harassed her. Because of her distress, Hannah went to the house of the Lord to pray.

The Bible tells us of several women who faced difficulties because they could not conceive a child. Hannah stands out because she promised, in faith, that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to serve in the Lord’s house “all the days of his life.”

God gave Hannah a son, Samuel, in answer to her prayer. And Samuel became a servant of God who was set apart.

Even as a young boy, Samuel heard God’s call to speak for him at a time when the Israelites no longer heard from God. Samuel became a ­prophet of God and led the people faithfully. God guided Samuel in answer to his ­mother’s prayer.

The world is constantly facing many difficulties. In times of distress and anguish, we need to think about God’s care and providence, and we need to submit to serving God faithfully. When Hannah sought God and prayed in faith, she was blessed with a child, and God’s people were blessed with a faithful leader. When we pray, God provides.