Hannah - Barbara Lynn Seibel

November 1, 2026October 31, 2026

Serving God Before You Know Him

Is it possible to serve God before you know him?

Have you ever thought about that possibility?

Last week, we studied the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.

Hannah was childless and being tormented by her husband’s second wife because she was unable to have children.

As Hannah’s narrative unfolded, we learned she vowed to God that if he would bless her with a son, she would give that son back to him.

Today, we step into the story after Hannah has fulfilled her vow to learn more about this child called Samuel and, of course, God.

Samuel’s story presents us with an interesting contrast. Although he was already ministering to the Lord, the Lord had not yet revealed His word to him. He was serving in God’s house, but he had not yet experienced the personal encounter that would change the course of his life.

As we study this passage, consider what Samuel’s experience teaches us about serving God, recognizing His voice, and responding when He calls.

October 27, 2026

What Vows Have You Made Before God?

Merriam-Webster.com defines the word vow as a solemn promise or assertion.

Specifically: one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition.

Making a vow is not something we take lightly.

There is actual intention behind a vow that requires a response from both the one making the vow and the one receiving the vow.

This plays out clearly in 1 Samuel 1:1-28.

March 16, 2025March 16, 2025

Elkanah Returns to Worship God

Two weeks ago, I started this series on 1 Samuel 1, purposefully studying the “minor” characters instead of the usual approach to this passage.

Several of you have thanked me for this focus, stating that you had never considered that these “minor” characters could reveal so much about the Lord’s work in our daily lives.

Today, again I want us to study the next group of verses from 1 Samuel 1.

And yes, as the title suggests, we will focus in again on the minor character of Elkanah and his faithfulness as he returns to worship God at Shiloh every year.

March 9, 2025March 8, 2025

How God Worked Through Eli

Have you ever misread a person’s behavior?

I certainly have.

Or perhaps you were the one whose behavior was misunderstood?

Yep, been on that side too.

How does God work through our misunderstandings?

Last week’s post considered how the Lord provided a supportive and Godly husband, Elkanah, in 1 Samuel 1, to Hannah long before He answered her petition to have a son.

Many who read the post commented that they had never studied Elkanah’s role before.

This is precisely why I focused on Elkanah last week.

Often, we forget that the supporting characters in a scripture passage are also useful in learning more about how God works in our lives.

Today, we return to 1 Samuel 1 to explore how God worked through Eli, another supporting character who, at first, misunderstood Hannah’s behavior.