Emulate biblical character of Hannah to have peaceful marriages …Bishop advises women

The Founder of Reigning Power Worldwide Chapel, Bishop Dr Samuel Sarpong Kwakwa has advised women to emulate the biblical character of Hannah in marriages to ensure peace.

According to him, Hannah endured years of sorrow, including ridicule and provocation from her rival, as well as judgmental attitudes from people around her. However, she refused to allow her situation to drive her away from God.

Bishop Dr. Samuel Sarpong Kwakwa made the statement at the climax of the church’s Women’s Fellowship Week celebration held in Koforidua on Sunday.

“I wish all women in Ghana were like Hannah in the Bible,” he stated.

Preaching on the topic, “Lord remember me” from the first two chapters of the book of 1st Samuel, Bishop Kwakwa explained that Hannah faced a personal challenge of infertility which caused her great emotional pain.

He noted that in Hannah’s time and culture, childbearing was regarded as a sign of God’s favour. Consequently, couples without children were often wrongly judged by society as having displeased God.

According to the Bishop, motherhood also provided women with a strong sense of purpose, and Hannah longed for this fulfilment. Despite repeated disappointment and emotional distress, she remained steadfast in her faith.

Quoting from scripture, he said: “Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year… till she wept and would not eat.”

Despite her pain, Hannah remained committed to worship and continued attending the annual religious gatherings. She chose not to become bitter or lose faith but instead trusted in God’s mercy, love and power.

Bishop Kwakwa emphasized that Hannah took her burdens to God through heartfelt prayer, pouring out her soul before Him. She demonstrated deep faith in God’s promises and made a vow, asking Him to remember her affliction.

He added that Hannah honoured her vow after God answered her prayer, dedicating her son to God and responding with praise and thanksgiving.

The Bishop noted that Hannah’s praise highlighted God’s ability to lift the humble, provide for those in need and grant children to the barren.

He further stated that God eventually blessed Hannah with five more children made up of three sons and two daughters because of her faith and faithfulness.

Bishop Kwakwa encouraged individuals facing difficult or seemingly impossible situations to draw inspiration from Hannah’s story.

“Take encouragement from Hannah’s life. God knows your struggles and may be using them to reveal His power, glory and love in your life,” he said.

By Samuel Opare Lartey