Leading The Way - Devotional for April 10
April 10, 2026
Blessings Out of Brokenness
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Though Hannah was full of sorrow, her suffering did not make her bitter. Though she had been emotionally hurt and battered, her commitment to the Lord was unshakable. Though she was physically exhausted, spiritually, she was powerful. She may have had every reason to give up, but she persisted in prayer.
God responded to Hannah’s cry for a son, and she gave birth to Samuel. In keeping with the vow she had made to God, she gave the Lord her only child. Although Samuel grew up serving God at the temple, Hannah did not resent releasing her son to God. Instead, she gave a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving: “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). This is Hannah’s song of praise—one that is reflected in Mary’s Magnificat, the song she sings in praise of God for the gift of bearing the promised Messiah.
God continued to bless Hannah with children. After years of what looked like a hopeless situation, she received her prayer request not just once but several times:
Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home. And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. (1 Samuel 2:20-21)
God wants to bring blessings out of our brokenness. He is a loving provider whose power is limitless. People and things will fail us, but God’s security and strength abide forever. His compassion is inexhaustible. His peace is unexplainable.
In your hour of desperation, where do you turn? Do you tell your troubles to anyone who will listen, or do you seek the throne of grace?
Prayer: God, help me to come to You in my hour of desperation. Thank You for Your love. I pray that You would bring blessings out of my brokenness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 6: LISTEN NOW
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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
