Jesus Knows {Hannah's Story}

She kneels in the dusk, tears streaming down her face, mouthing silent words and staring up at the stars, shining blurred in the sky. The high priest, standing across the courtyard, shakes his head, thinking, Not another drunk one. Society of the day has degraded so much that before he thinks of a person praying, he thinks of a person drunk.

He doesn’t know that this woman has been crying out in prayer for years. He doesn’t know that she’s empty of words now. He doesn’t even know what she wants.

But when he speaks to her, her story comes flooding out. No, not the full story, just the answer to what was asked, but enough so that the high priest is ashamed of his hasty assumption. Because it’s the best he can do for her, he pronounces a blessing, that all her prayers might be answered. Somehow her heart is strangely comforted.

When society expects you to be less spiritual than God calls you to be, don’t give up. Jesus knows what you can be with His strength.

When all the world thinks you’re crazy, don’t give up. Jesus knows you’re not.

When you feel like it’s taking a long time, don’t give up. Jesus knows what’s just around the corner.

When words fall short and you can’t understand your thoughts and feelings, much less explain them, don’t give up. Jesus knows all the words you want to say.

When you think nobody cares, don’t give up. Jesus knows just what you need to hear, and He will see to it that you hear just that.

Don’t give up. Jesus knows.