Written by Jéssica Romero, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Manaus, Brazil
Hannah's story is a true inspiration for us—women who desire to live with wisdom and faith. In 1 Samuel 1 and 2, we see her journey: she was a distressed woman, humiliated by her barrenness, and constantly provoked by her rival, Peninnah. However, amidst her pain, Hannah did not turn away from God. On the contrary, she drew closer. Hannah's sincere cry before the Lord shows us where true gratitude begins: in complete trust in God.
After God answered her prayer and she gave birth to Samuel, Hannah did not cling to the blessing, but to the Blesser. And it is there that we see how she practiced gratitude deeply and courageously.
Hannah was grateful with actions, not just words. True gratitude goes beyond saying "thank you." Hannah had promised that if she ever received a son, she would give him to the Lord. And that is exactly what she did (1Sa 1:24–28). After weaning him, she took Samuel to the temple and left him there, still a very young boy.
Think how difficult this was. How many mothers would be willing to give up their son so young, knowing they would rarely see him? But Hannah understood that her son was a gift from the Lord. She was true to her word and demonstrated, through actions, that her gratitude was not superficial. As wise women, we are called to recognize that everything we have comes from God and to live generously, giving back to Him what belongs to Him.
Hannah praised God with a heart full of faith: Chapter 2 begins with Hannah's song, a true psalm of gratitude. She declares: "My heart rejoices in the Lord…There is no one holy like the Lord" (1Sa 2:1-2 NIV).
Hannah's praise is not limited to giving thanks for her son. She exalts who God is: holy, just, powerful, and faithful. Her gratitude is centered on God, not just on what He has done for her. This is a sign of spiritual maturity: when we learn to give thanks not only for blessings, but for the presence, character, and sovereignty of our God.
Hannah turned her pain into praise: Before God's answer, Hannah was a humiliated woman full of sorrow. She wept, didn't eat, and was misunderstood even by the priest Eli. But instead of rebelling, she poured out her soul before the Lord (1Sa 1:15).
How many times do we go through difficult situations, and our first reaction is discouragement or complaint? Hannah shows us a different path: that of persistent prayer. And then, when the miracle came, she didn't forget to give thanks.
How many times do we pray fervently, but then forget to return to give thanks with the same intensity?
Applications for us: Perhaps you've been praying for something for a long time—a child, a restored marriage, a job, a healing. Learn from Hannah: go to the Lord, pour out your soul, trust in His will, and when the answer comes, don't forget to give thanks with your life, not just with your lips.
Gratitude doesn't depend on circumstances. Hannah learned to trust before, during, and after the answer.
What about you? Are you willing to practice gratitude even while waiting?
A wise woman recognizes that everything she has comes from God—and that's why she lives with a generous heart, open hands, and a mouth full of praise.
Gratitude that transforms: Hannah wasn't just a grateful woman; she was a wise woman. Her story invites us to trust God more, to surrender what we have with courage, and to praise Him even when it hurts. Gratitude isn't a fleeting emotion. It's a lifestyle. And it's also a powerful spiritual weapon that transforms the heart.
So, ladies, let's follow Hannah’s example!
Is there an area of your life where you need to practice more active and profound gratitude, perhaps even giving something back to the Lord? How can you practically live this gratitude starting today?
