Persistence in prayer – Birthing biblical promises

Persistence in prayer focused bible texts: 1Samuel 1:1-3, Judges 13.

1Samuel 1:1-3:
1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord.

Introduction: Persistence in prayer

The Bible introduces many figures whose lives serve as examples of faith, perseverance, and reliance on God. Judges 13 introduces Samson as a child of promise—his birth was foretold by an angel to his mother.

On the other hand, 1 Samuel 1:1-3 introduces Samuel as a child of prayer, born from his mother Hannah’s fervent petitions to God. 

These narratives emphasize two pivotal elements in the fulfillment of divine plans: the promise and prayer.

This truth underscores that the birthing of a promise can be initiated either through divine declarations (Psalm 33:9) or human petitions (Mark 11:24). Both approaches demonstrate God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His words and answering prayers. Let’s explore these concepts further.

Divine vs. Human Actions in the Fulfillment of Promises

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of how divine actions and human actions overlap in bringing promises to pass. These instances demonstrate that God’s promises often require human cooperation. Here are some examples:

Divine Actions

  • The birth of Isaac: A promise fulfilled solely by God’s intervention, despite Abraham and Sarah’s advanced age.
  • The birth of Joseph: A child born as part of God’s divine plan to save Israel.
  • The victories of King Ahab: Achieved as a result of God’s sovereignty.
  • The birth of the Savior: Foretold and fulfilled by God’s divine plan for humanity.

Human Actions

  • The birth of Manasseh: A result of human decision-making within God’s providence.
  • The birth of Benjamin: Highlighting the role of human actions in God’s divine purposes.
  • Israel’s request for a king: God granted their request, even though it stemmed from human desire.
  • The victories of David: A combination of David’s obedience and God’s divine enabling.

These examples reveal that while God initiates His promises, human actions—like prayer, obedience, and faith—play an essential role in their fulfillment.

Working the Promise: Lessons from Hannah

Staying Focused

Hannah exemplifies unwavering focus and determination. Despite years of barrenness and the discouragement of those around her, she persisted in prayer and worship. Every year, she traveled to Shiloh to worship, even though the priests who ministered there were known for their faults. Her focus was on God, not on human shortcomings.

Other examples of perseverance in the Bible include:

  • Abraham: He waited 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son.
  • Isaac: He persisted in faith for 20 years before receiving the promise of children (Genesis 25:24-26).
  • Habakkuk: He remained at his watchtower for 13 years before hearing from God (Habakkuk 1-2).
  • Zechariah: He faithfully served as a priest his entire life before receiving his visitation while at his duty post (Luke 1:8-12).
  • Simeon and Anna: They fasted and prayed for years, waiting for the Messiah to be born (Luke 1:25-38).

These individuals shared three essential qualities:

  1. Patience
  2. Obedience
  3. Expectation

They held on to the knowledge that:

  • God is a blesser (Genesis 49:25, Deuteronomy 8:2, Ephesians 3:20).
  • God is not a liar (Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 55:11).
  • God is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9, Hebrews 11:11).
  • God is holy (Isaiah 59:2, Psalm 66:18, Hebrews 6:10).

This knowledge strengthened Sarah (Hebrews 11:11) and empowered her to conceive and carry her promise.

Persistent Faith Creates Favorable Environments

Hannah’s persistence created an atmosphere where God could move on her behalf. She prayed fervently and made a vow, showing her complete dependence on God. Similarly, other biblical figures demonstrated persistent faith:

  • The woman with the issue of blood: Her persistence led her to touch Jesus’ garment and receive healing (Mark 5:25-34).
  • David: He offered a sacrifice to stop the plague (2 Samuel 24:18-25).
  • The Shunammite woman: She provided for God’s servant and received a miracle in return (2 Kings 4:8-44).
  • The prophet’s widow: She drew on her husband’s goodwill and experienced divine provision (2 Kings 4:1-7).

Persistence is often accompanied by:

  • Prayers: A consistent connection with God.
  • Study of the Word: Developing faith through understanding.
  • Obedience: Acting in alignment with God’s instructions.

Carrying the Promise

The Importance of Hope

Carrying a promise requires hope, which is defined as a confident expectation of good. According to the Bible, hope serves several purposes:

  1. Sustainer and Strengthener: It helps individuals endure challenges (Lamentations 3:20-21).
  2. Stabilizer: Hope keeps believers steadfast in the face of adversity (Hebrews 6:11,19).
  3. Reward-Oriented: It focuses on future rewards, motivating perseverance (1 Corinthians 15:55, Hebrews 12:2).
  4. The Womb of Tomorrow: Hope births the future (Hebrews 11:1).

However, hope can be influenced by life’s seasons:

  • The past: Learn from it but let go of its hold (Romans 15:4, Philippians 3:13).
  • The present: Use it as a stepping stone for the future.
  • The future: Focus on the promises of God (Jeremiah 29:11, Hebrews 10:35-37).

Birthing the Promise

After carrying the promise, the final step is birthing it. Spiritually, this involves:

  1. The seed (promise): Received through revelation or the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Romans 10:17).
  2. Meditation and Growth: Understanding and nurturing the promise (Matthew 13:11-16).
  3. Speaking it into being: Faith-filled declarations bring promises into physical manifestation (Mark 11:23, Romans 10:8-11).

Examples include:

  • Abraham: Declared God’s promises for a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:3-7).
  • Mary: Declared her willingness to birth the Savior (Luke 1:30-38).

To birth a promise:

  • Engage in prayer.
  • Surround yourself with a supportive community.
  • Meditate on the Word of God.

Conclusion: Persistence in prayer

Faith is the critical ingredient in birthing God’s promises. It involves speaking into existence what God has declared over your life. Even when the promise seems delayed, hold on to hope, as it sustains and strengthens you for the journey. Remember, God is faithful to fulfill every word He has spoken.

Apostle (DR.) Udoh
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