Text: 1 Samuel 1:1–20
Topic: How God remembers us

Introduction
• Illustration: On old high school friend of James Cagney failed to remember the famous actor in New York City.
• Illustration: Koessler was embarrassed when he didn't remember a woman who began having a conversation with him in Wal-Mart.
• Have you ever felt as though God has forgotten you?
Transition: Hannah's story shows us three circumstances where it is important to know that God remembers.

God remembers us when our hearts are broken.
• There are times in the believer's life when God seems to withhold from us the one thing we want the most.
• 1 Samuel 1:1–8
• If I was God, I don't think I would say anything. If I was God, I would know that slogans and formulas and pat answers don't really help.
• God knows what it feels like to lose what you cherish most.

God remembers us while we are praying.
• There are a lot of different ways we can respond to disappointment.
• But Hannah shows us a better alternative. Hannah prayed about it.
• 1 Samuel 1:9–10
• Hannah did not complain to her husband.
• Hannah did not try to get back at Peninnah.
• Hannah did not complain to the priest.
• 1 Samuel 1:11–16
• Here is another hard lesson that we learn from Hannah's story: Often the people we expect to understand in a time of great disappointment don't.
• 1 Samuel 1:17–19
• When everyone else seemed to have forgotten Hannah, she knew where to turn.
     - Illustration: Koessler's mother used to moan loudly when she was ill, because she didn't believe in suffering in silence.

God remembers us after our prayers have been answered.
• God answers prayers in his own time and in accordance with his own purposes.
• 1 Samuel 1:19–20
• When the time is right, God will move in response to our prayers.
• But it is equally important to know that when the time is right, God will only move in a way that is consistent with his plan.
     - Illustration: Randy Frazee prayed 50 times that his mother would be granted 18 more years of life. She was given 18 more hours.
• Many heroes of the Bible—including Moses, David, Elijah, Paul, and Jesus—have heard God answer a request with "No."
• Matthew 7:7–11
• God hasn't forgotten you, even when the answer is "No."

Conclusion
• Illustration: Marshall Shelley realized that humans are created for eternity after he had two children pass away, both under two years old.
• When your dreams don't come true, God still has dreams for you.
• In his own time. In his own way. For your good and his glory, God will remember you!