Introduction: 1 & 2 Samuel (as 1&2 Kings and 1&2 Chronicles) form just one book in Hebrew manuscripts. They begin with the story of a Godly Mother.

I.          HANNAH'S DESIRE FOR (MOTHERHOOD) THE WILL OF GOD.

A.     For A Wife In Israel Not To Be A Mother Was Considered An Affliction And Dishonor.

Motherhood was looked on as the highest function of a wife. The greatest wish one woman could have for another was that she might be the mother of many children. Hannah was the first and favorite wife of Elkanah, but, Hannah had no children. To perpetuate his name Elkanah, wrongly took a second wife who gave birth to a large number of children and gloried over Hannah and became her adversary.

B.  God Is Not Endorsing Polygamy Here But Showing The Sinful Results Of It.

Nearly every time plural marriages are mentioned in the Bible they are shown with negative consequences. Here the fruitful wife provoked the barren.

II.        HANNAH'S DEPENDENCE ON GOD.

A.      Here Is A Mother Without A Child That Needed A Miracle!

She Realized Life Was A Gift From God.

1.      She prayed vv. 10, 15

2.      She fasted v.7  

3.      She wept. She had a mother's heart vv. 7,10

4.      She vowed a vow. vs.11 (Example of a Faith Promise offering.)

B.  She Did Not Give Up v. 12

C.  She Sought Help From The Man Of God vv. 16, 17

D.  When She Had Done All She Could, She Left It In The Hands Of The Lord vv.18-19

III.       HANNAH'S DEDICATION OF THE CHILD TO GOD. Vs. 21-22

A.  She Provided Him A Godly Name v. 20

Name Samuel means "Asked of God" Everyone who met him knew what his name meant. He was a living walking testimony of a prayer hearing, prayer answering God.

B.  She Personally Weaned Him v. 22

Nursed for first 5 years; This was done for both health and nurturing; Teaching by precept and example. What happens to child in first 5 years, affects his entire life. She taught him at an early age to keep company with the people of God in the house of God. --Henry W. Beecher: "The mother's heart is the child's classroom."

C.  He Was Placed Under Religious Instruction v. 24

Notice she did not just bring the boy but provided provisions for him as well. She sacrificed to pay his way. Three bullocks, an ephah of flour, skin bottle of wine

D.  She Turned Her Child Over To God vv. 25, 28

You never know who you may be training for God. Samuel's importance: Marks an end of the time of the Judges and a beginning of the time of the Prophets. Founded Israel 's first educational movement. School of the prophets. Anointed Israel 's first king, Saul and later Israel 's greatest king, David. Bible scholars have listed him as one of the ten most important people in the Bible.

Conclusion:     Let’s get honest for a few minutes. I know that Hannah is a great example of a godly mother and she made the right investments in her family in her faith and in the future. She exhibited a life of faith that is a cut above the ordinary! However, what she did is a challenge to you and me today! What kind of example are you to those around you? What investments have you made in the lives of your family (and others)? Whether you know it or not, you are an example to someone every day you live! If you have been a wrong example, God will allow you to change that today. If you see areas that need attention, the place to make the changes is right here at this altar! Some of you have children you need to bring to this altar. Some have parents and other family members that need the Lord, why not come and make an investment in them? Others have literally been foolish with your lives. You have squandered the resources the Lord has given you and spiritually you’re looking pretty bad right now. Why not come and trade what you’ve been investing in and be that example that will reap a great harvest for the Lord? Still others have no relationship with the Lord. I invite you to come before Him so that you can begin with God today. If He has spoken to your heart, don’t pull the usual Sunday morning “stand and take it - grin and bear it”. This morning do something different. Get to the altar and have an encounter with God! This mom Hannah was a godly example, are you?