Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 9

Fasting Devotional – Day Nine

Monday, January 19, 2026

Title: Hannah Surrenders her Desire

Text: I Samuel 1-2

Written by: Bonnie Winthrop

Thoughts:

1 Samuel 1-2 teaches us about Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, who not only suffered from her inability to bear a child, but also from the relentless mocking of her heart-breaking circumstance, by Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife. Amid her misery and longing, she calls out to the Lord in desperation, vowing to Him that if He would grant her a son, she would give the child back to the Lord for his entire life. I cannot imagine the agony that would accompany this sacrifice, but Hannah knew, well before God granted her the blessing of motherhood, that her child would always be God’s son first, before her own. The Lord answered her prayer with the birth of a son, whom she named Samuel. Hannah honored her vow by surrendering her very young son to Eli the priest. The Lord developed Samuel into a powerful prophet and mighty leader of Israel, but it all began with Hannah’s willingness to surrender what her heart so desperately longed for.

Challenge:

We know our unwillingness to surrender inhibits our own growth, but have you ever considered how it holds others back? Have you ever thought about how God can use our surrender to fuel another’s? Had I learned this as early as Hannah, it would have saved me so much fear, anxiety, and worry as a parent. Nearly twenty years into motherhood, during a time of tremendous pain and fear for my son, I also called out in desperation and the Lord answered with, “You don’t have to trust him, you just have to trust me.” I surrendered my son to his Heavenly Father that day. Since then, I have been blessed to witness God develop him in ways I could not have imagined. Is there any greater blessing to a mother than to see her child step into their calling and love the Lord wholeheartedly?!?! The truth is, I was not called or equipped to develop my son into the righteous man God called him to be. Neither was Hannah. Only God can do that, but it did require our complete surrender. Whoever it is, whatever the circumstances, release it, trust Him with it, watch His mighty hand work, witness transformation, and enjoy the freedom and blessings that follow. Surrender.

Prayer:

Father God, we are so grateful for your love, grace, patience, and guidance as we navigate through this journey to become more like you. We are so blessed to be in your service and witness your mighty work. Please remove all fear, fill us with peace and the courage to surrender ourselves and the others we love, for we know that there is no task too great for you. We praise you and thank you for the blessings that follow obedience, and for deeming us worthy to grow your Kingdom. Amen.