1Sa 1:17-18, 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
Eli the high priest must have felt ashamed of his unworthy charge, as well as rightly rebuked by the dignity of a godly woman. She was of sound mind but with a troubled heart poured to the Lord in prayers. When he finally understood her dilemma, he remembered that God has a special place for humble desperate prayers. He didn’t ask her to tell him of her request or even tell her that her prayers needed to go through a priest to be effective, he sent her away with a hearty benediction. This was an assurance that her prayer was heard and her petition would be granted. She found favor in the sight of one who did her wrong.
We should not cease doing what gets God’s attention. Your intentions or presentation may be misjudged, and people may not understand you but God does and may use the same people to confirm it.