Persistence: The Power & Breakthrough of Fervent Prayers

By U.M. Hiram

Have you dealt with the tremendous loss of a loved one?

Has the trust and kindness you’ve shown been taken for granted?

Did your life take an alternate path from where you originally planned?

Life’s journey can deal us a number of challenging moments both mentally and physically. Prayer is a powerful tool that can be used to provide the strength and wisdom needed to deal with as well as overcome these moments. Knowing there is a higher power at work on our behalf that we’re able to tap into it can bring a sense of comfort and peace.

ABOUT THE MERRY HEARTS INSPIRATIONAL SERIES

Some use God's word to justify domestic violence, imprisonment, slavery, and systematic racism rather than preach peace, joy, salvation, and love. Throughout the Merry Hearts Inspirational series, readers will experience scripture as never before. Authors take one-dimensional Biblical characters and breathe new life into them to become relevant for the reader.

Over time, many things have been misinterpreted, but the one important thing is that God’s grace isn’t just for men. Christ valued women so much. He had His most profound conversations with women. Christ performed astounding miracles through them, and following His resurrection, He appeared to the women first.

Throughout scripture, God's love for women and everyone—no matter ethnic background or gender—may be found, from Genesis to Revelation. May you come to know His love in an authentic, tangible way.

Each book in the Merry Hearts Inspirational Series is a standalone and can be read in any order:

Book 1 – Journey – Lisa Dodson [Ruth and Boaz]
Book 2 – Visions– J. L. Campbell [The Outside Child]
Book 3 – Purpose – Florenza Denise Lee [The Unnamed Woman]
Book 4 – Growth - Janice Allen [Esther, The Three Hebrew Boys]
Book 5 – Transition -- Naleighna Kai [The Levite’s Concubine]
Book 6 – Choices – Pat G’Orge-Walker [The Faithful Wife]
Book 7 – Patience – Terri Ann Johnson [The Pharaoh’s Daughter]
Book 8 – Persistence – U. M. Hiram [Hannah, Daniel, and The Centurion]
Book 9 – Transformation – Naleighna Kai [Tamar and Amnon]

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macro Publishing Group
• Release date: Jun 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781952871290

U.M. Hiram

U.M. Hiram is an East Coast native who currently resides in Junction City, Kansas. She is an author, entrepreneur, human resource professional and retired Navy veteran. Her love for writing began at an early age, evolving into independent publishing years later. She plans to write books in multi-genres such as contemporary fiction, inspirational, paranormal, and romantic suspense. In 2017, her romance fiction novel Finally was self-published and is set to be re-released soon. In 2021, two new releases are on the way from this author, Persistence and Queen of Wilmette. Reading, traveling, watching sports and spending time with her family is what she enjoys doing the most when not putting pen to paper.

Book preview

Chapter One

One man, two wives. 

Children laughed and played outside under the clear, sunny skies of Ephraim; a small town located thirteen miles northeast of the capital city of Jerusalem. Hillsides served as a backdrop for their mischief. Adolescent young men were playing tag, throwing rocks, and wrestling one another. Their liveliness filled the atmosphere, while the young ladies sat nearby admiring their own simple, beautiful attire and watching the action. 

Enjoyable and sometimes nerve-wracking sounds traveled throughout the courtyard. They served as constant reminders that one woman was able to provide her husband heirs, while the other was not. A daunting, heart wrenching experience. Elkanah, Hannah, and Peninnah shared a life, but they were not parallel. The scale was visibly unbalanced. A continual reminder of a seemingly unanswered prayer.

How could anyone coexist in this space?

Resentment, disappointment, strife, and envy were sure to reside—and they did.

Hannah's desires went beyond what her husband provided. Beautiful and favored by Elkanah, she was well taken care of, lacking for nothing. Yet longing for one precious gift. They loved each other, but it pained her tremendously that no child had been conceived between them. A woman's worthiness was attached to the number of children she was able to provide to her household. Hannah was failing miserably in that aspect. 

Despite this, Elkanah showed her favor. Double portions, extra affection, and the utmost respect in spite of her childbearing difficulties. She was a striking woman with shoulder-length black hair and flawless skin. Penetrating brown eyes bore into your soul, and her figure fueled as well as satisfied her husband's desire.

None of this was enough to bring contentment to a barren woman yearning for a child.

Deciding to take a walk around the grounds, Hannah covered herself and headed towards the front entrance. As soon as she made it outside, she looked to her left and found her nemesis—Elkanah's second wife Peninnah—sitting there. It seemed today the entire household wanted to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Before she could turn in the other direction, Peninnah stood and walked boldly in her direction.

Bracing herself for the unwelcome interaction, Hannah silently took a deep breath. She wasn't scared of this woman by any means. She merely desired to be left alone and not antagonized. Silently praying, she refused to allow this woman's festered unhappiness to upend her peacefulness. Determined to keep a neutral posture, Hannah stood strong and didn't flinch when her space was invaded by the unwanted