Monday, January 5, 2026

In times of despair, we wonder whether God still hears us and is faithful to his promises. Sometimes we become so focused on our problems that we place our grief and desire for control before God.

Hannah’s story is an inspiration. She was mocked and under enormous societal pressure. Yet, in the midst of her deepest pain, Hannah surrendered her control to God and trusted him with the outcome.

1 Samuel 1:10-11
Hannah was deep in anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: “O Lord, of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.…”

We have a similar choice during our trials:

We can focus on our suffering.

Or we can choose to focus on God, knowing that although he may not answer our prayers in our timing, they will be answered.

These moments of obedience are opportunities to grow closer to God as he works freely in our lives, transforming our hearts in the process. When we pray from a place of faithful surrender, it releases our self-imposed shackles, heals our pain, and brings deep-seated joy into our sorrow-filled lives.

Hannah’s story didn’t end there. God answered her prayer. Once again, she was faced with a choice, and once again, she said yes to God in trust.

1 Samuel 1:27-28
“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord….”

Hannah surrendered to God the very thing she had longed for and loved the most, and she was blessed in return.

Saying yes to God, as Hannah did, invites us into the freedom Jesus secured for us on the cross. Once we accept his gift, the only step he asks of us is a willing heart.

As you begin to live in the confidence of your willing heart, it may feel awkward. But as you continue trusting him, bringing him your worries, disappointments, and desires in prayer and gratitude, you will begin to experience the freedom that comes from a relationship with God.

Your yes won’t just change your circumstances - it will change you. And in that surrender, you’ll discover the steady, confident freedom that comes from being a child of God.

Questions:
In what areas of your life does the act of saying “yes” to God apply to you?

Does surrendering what you desire most to God frighten you? If so, why?

Next Steps:
Take a moment to truly consider how saying yes to God applies to your life. Consider where your focus has drifted, or what worries, habits, or distractions have shifted your attention. Take practical steps to shift your focus back onto God.

Consider whether surrendering control of your current challenge to God frightens you. Ask yourself why that is and be honest about what your efforts have produced so far. Find the solace you need by saying yes to God through persistent prayer and fully handing the reins of your situation over to him.

This post was written by Linda Repka, a Whitehouse attendee and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting - Day 1
Today’s Prayer Focus: Listening for and Hearing from God

Prayer:
Lord, I want to draw closer to you this year. I invite you to align my life with your path and plan for me. Please open my heart to the love you so freely offer through the gift of your son, Jesus. Open my eyes to your truths, and teach me your ways. Help me to put my hope in you each day. Amen.

Read more about Hannah: Surrendering What You Love Most
Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:10–11; 1 Samuel 1:27–28; 1 Samuel 2:1–10

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 40:8
I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.