I am a big fan of restaurant to go boxes. When I am full I can pack up the leftovers and be nourished again later. Recently I have adopted the “to go box” strategy when I go to church.

I very intentionally pray for something I can pack away and take home that will nourish me spiritually and emotionally for the rest of the week. It is fascinating how God has honored that prayer by giving me something to put in my spiritual to go box each week.

This week my to go box got filled during adult Bible class. We are going through the Old Testament book of 1st Samuel and the story of Hannah was discussed.

Hannah was the wife of Elkanah who was married to a second wife named Peninnah. Elkanah seemed to emotionally favor Hannah but there was a problem. She was unable to bear children. That was a crushing burden to bear and especially when Peninnah openly taunted Hannah for being barren. Some thought that not being able to bear a child meant God was punishing that women for some sin. You can only imagine the hurtfulness of the comments from Peninnah.

The story of Hannah is so rich and full of things to put in the to go box. The fact that Hannah did not quit worshiping and going to the Temple in spite of her circumstances is amazing. Even as she went to the Tabernacle Penninah would taunt her. How many Christians quit going to church in much less stressful settings? But she persevered.

Hannah also recognized that she could not change things herself. While the text clearly stated that she was saddened by Penninah’s ugly comments there is no record of her responding in kind. Instead Hannah trusted God to hear her cries. Finally she reached a point of desperation that she channeled into dependence on God.

After a sacrificial meal at Shiloh she left and went to pray because she was too upset to eat. Eli the priest was stationed in his customary spot by the entrance of the Tabernacle. He apparently had a front row seat to watch Hannah’s anguished prayer. She begged God to give her a son and promised to give that child back to the service of the Lord. Hannah poured out her heart and feelings to God with such deep emotions that Eli thought she must be drinking. In fact the text records that the Priest told her to throw away her wine!

I think I might have gotten a bit defensive (okay, a lot defensive) if a religious leader accused me of being a drunk when I was honestly pouring out my heart to God. But once again Hannah showed grace.

¹⁵ But Hannah replied, “Not so, my lord! I am a woman under a great deal of stress. I haven’t drunk wine or beer. But I have poured out my soul before the Lord. ¹⁶ Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman. It’s just that, to this point, I have spoken from my deep pain and anguish.”

¹⁷ Eli replied, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request that you have asked of him.” ¹⁸ She said, “May I, your servant, find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and got something to eat. Her face no longer looked sad.^[

Hannah prayed. She asked God to intervene. She trusted Him to hear her. But she not know if that request would be granted. She had years and years of sorrow weighing down her soul.

What I packed in my “to go box” this week was Hannah’s response. She had poured out her heart. She trusted God. She decided that only He could change her situation and she had communicated honestly. After that moment of complete transparency Hannah recognized she had done all she could. She went back and began to eat again. And Scripture says her face no longer looked sad.

There are many things I ask of God. Sometimes I ask with great anguish for those prayers to be answered the way I am asking. Hannah showed me a great response. When I honestly pray and lay those requests at the altar I can walk away with my face not showing sadness but gratitude for a God who listens. John writes these words.

And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14, NET)

Hannah’s faith was rewarded with a son named Samuel. God heard her petition. I am convinced He hears my petitions and especially when I tear down the walls of self-dependence. My desire may not be His will but I believe with all of my heart that God hears me and He will answer.

Here are the contents of my to go box this week.

1. Bring my requests to God with honesty.
2. Leave them at the altar with a trusting heart.
3. Walk away with a happy countenance knowing God can be trusted to hear and answer according to His will.

Sometimes the answer is not what I want. But here is what I have learned in five decades of following Jesus. He is faithful.

So I am asking you to take your to go box to church next week. I would love to hear what you pack in there!