Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” — 1 Samuel 1:12

Hannah was distressed and pouring her heart out to the Lord. She was barren, constantly made fun of, and she was pleading to God for a child. Eli, the priest, didn’t like the way she was praying in God’s temple. He flat out accuses her of being drunk on wine.

I can only imagine how this would have gone down today. Most church people today would have made a social media post, got as many people as possible to agree with them, and made sure this “man of God” was exposed for his insensitive and judgmental comments. I can even envision a “Who does he think He is? His own children are a disgrace to the priesthood!” comment that gets lots of shares, likes, and attention.

Hannah simply pleads her case to Eli. Once he understands, he says some simple words that Hannah holds on to for dear life: “Go in peace and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:17) She focused on the promise, not the offense.

I’m not as bad as I used to be, but I get offended easily. Like Hannah, I’ve wondered why God would choose to give children to the unkind and skip over giving them to me. I’ve had the modern-day Eli’s of the church speak evil of me. I’ve chosen to do wrong and aired stuff on social media that I wish I could take back. This morning, I want to grab a hold of Hannah’s faith. I’d like to grab a hold of her ability to be unoffended. I want to believe with all my heart that I can step out into this world and make a difference for Him and His kingdom. Here are the only words Hannah held onto from her meeting with Eli:

Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grand you what you have asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:17)

Lord, there is and never will be another like You. Thank You for giving me a growing faith. Thank You for always showing me that I am simply Your child. You’re constantly correcting me, You’re constantly placing me back on the right path, and You truly are the author and finisher of my salvation. Help me remain teachable. Help me not to be offended by what I perceive You to do or not do, nor by what Your people do or don’t do. They are learning to live for You just as I am. Bless me indeed, Lord. Increase my territory. Oh, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil. Amen.