God's Perfect Plan (1 Samuel 1:1-20) - 9/28/25

Introduction to 1 Samuel

• The book begins in the chaos of the Judges and moves toward the rise of Israel’s monarchy.
  

• Main Characters:

  • Samuel – the prophet who leads Israel to God.

  • Saul – the failed king chosen by the people.

  • David – the man after God’s own heart.
    

• Major Themes:

  • God’s sovereignty in raising up and removing leaders.

  • The centrality of God’s Word in guiding His people.

  • The nature of true leadership—God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (16:7).

  • The hope of God’s chosen King, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
    

• Key Message: 1 Samuel shows that God is faithful to His people, advancing His kingdom through His chosen leader.

1 Samuel 1:1–20

INTRO

• 1 Samuel opens with Hannah, a woman burdened by hardship.

• In her struggle, she turns to God in desperate prayer.

• God answers, showing His faithfulness and purpose.

• From the very start, we see God unfolding His perfect plan…pointing to His chosen King.
  

Struggling with Life’s Hardships -vv. 1–8

• Hannah’s sorrow: barren and provoked, though deeply loved.

• Even faithful families face hardships outside their control.

• Our desires and God’s will.
  

Trusting in God through Prayer – vv. 9–18

• Hannah pours out her soul in desperate prayer.

• Calls on the LORD of hosts… the One who can act.

• Her vow shows complete dependence and surrender.
  

Receiving God’s Provision – vv. 19–20

• “The LORD remembered her.” Covenant faithfulness in action.

• God works on His timetable and for His purposes.

• In due time, Samuel is born. The next step in God’s plan.
  

The What Now

• Hardships will come… even in faithful living.

• Keep trusting, seeking, and calling on the Lord of hosts.

• God always responds (yes, no, wait)… in His time, for His will.