When we encounter Hannah in I Samuel 1, she is carrying an ever-increasing "bitterness of soul". There are factors in Hannah's journey and ours that lead us from the bitter anxieties of unfulfilled dreams to the sweetness of productivity. What becomes apparent is that God's design for Hannah was infinitely greater than Hannah's desire. What Hannah wanted was 1) a social safety net and 2) bragging rights. What God wanted was a prophet who would identify and mentor one of the greatest progenitors and prefigures of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. She wanted to give birth to temporal security. God wanted her to give birth to eternal destiny. Therefore, He shut up her womb until her purpose was submitted to His.
Moreover, God used Hannah's frustration to bring her around to a place of surrender. She "poured out her soul before the Lord." In a prayer of consecration, she emptied herself of the bitterness that had filled her earlier. We notice that soon after her soul was emptied of bitterness, her womb was filled with a son. Her desire was accomplished; her soul experienced sweetness. How many professionals are serving in bitterness (toxicity, poison) because they want the right thing but for the wrong reason? God, in His providential mercy, will sometimes cause a delay in success because if the goal were to be achieved in bitterness, the attainment itself would be contaminated and fall short of God's purpose and the individual's healthy sense of personal gratification. If you are carrying bitterness within, for whatever reason, just know that God awaits you – He will let you, help you, to pour that poison out in His Presence. Then He will lead you to fulfillment of His Purpose. This is the ultimate sweetness for your soul and for every aspect of your life.
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