1 Samuel 1:9-4:11
1 Samuel 1:12-14, "Now it came about, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli was watching her mouth. As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. Then Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make yourself drunk? Put away your wine from you.'"
Already ostracized for her inability to conceive, Hannah poured her heart out to God in prayer over her greatest desire - to birth a son. Although she prayed without saying a word, her powerful prayer cut through the silence and directly touched God's heart. But Hannah must have been pretty anguished because, despite her sincerity, she was misunderstood. Eli, the priest, accused her of being drunk! This simply showed his lack of discernment and inability to see the truth about Hannah.
Maybe there has been a moment in your life when you put God first, and people criticized and disrespected you for your decision to do so. While some choose to let the criticism stop them, leaders and influencers for Christ know that, through it all, God always stays true and blesses those who are faithful to Him.
The criticism of others faded as God's faithfulness took center stage in Hannah's life. He heard her prayer and blessed her with a child, Samuel, who would grow up to be a prophet and lead the nation of Israel. So, regardless of what anyone says, you're playing for an audience of one - God. And as long as you please Him, it doesn't matter who you displease. Stay focused!
God, Thank You for being faithful and showing me how I can learn from Hannah's confidence in You. You know me best. Help me keep my eyes on You in the face of opposition. Thank You for Your everlasting love and guidance. Amen.