“When life presses in and the answers don’t come right away, that’s when faith matters most—Hannah’s story reminds us that God is never late; He’s always right on time.”
Mark Stouffer
Mark Stouffer is a man whose life journey reflects both intellectual rigor and deep spiritual devotion. After spending nearly four decades as a civil engineer, Mark stepped into a new calling—one rooted in faith, study, and storytelling. Today, he is an author and podcaster dedicated to uncovering the profound connections between the Old Testament and the life of Jesus. Through his thoughtful and heartfelt approach, Mark guides both Christian and Jewish readers to explore the deeper layers of scripture and to see the Old Testament not as outdated history, but as a living testament to God’s enduring presence and promises.
In this soul-stirring interview, Mark shares his insights into one of the Bible’s most inspiring stories—that of Hannah, a woman who endured ridicule, infertility, and emotional torment, yet remained faithful and unwavering in her belief that God would come through. As Mark recounts Hannah’s journey and the broader spiritual themes it evokes, he also draws from his own life experiences—discussing challenges in family life, seasons of waiting, and the spiritual growth that often arises from pain. His message is clear: in a world of fast answers and instant gratification, faith still thrives in the quiet moments of prayer, surrender, and trust.
Thank you so much for joining us, Mark! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you, Stacey. It’s an honor to be here. I’m a retired civil engineer from Ohio. I worked for nearly 40 years on highway projects and building developments, and while I had a fulfilling career, something deeper was always pulling at me. As a young man, I felt lost, but God reached out to me. I opened the door to Him, just a little, and everything changed. From that point on, faith became the foundation of my life. I’ve been married for almost 35 years to an incredible woman, and we have two grown children. Today, I write and speak about the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, and I host a podcast where I share what I’ve learned. It’s a different kind of work—but deeply rewarding.
What drew you to the story of Hannah in particular?
There’s just something profoundly emotional about Hannah’s story. I can’t fully explain why, but her experience resonates with me on a very personal level. She was heartbroken—unable to have children—and she lived in a time where that was not just emotionally painful, but socially devastating. And yet, her response wasn’t bitterness or blame. She turned to God with every ounce of her pain. That’s incredibly moving. It takes a special kind of faith to remain gracious and hopeful when your world is falling apart.
Can you walk us through the story of Hannah for those unfamiliar with it?
Absolutely. Hannah was married to a man named Elkanah, who was a faithful follower of God. But Hannah couldn’t bear children, which brought her immense shame. Elkanah took another wife, Penina, who could have children—and she often mocked Hannah for her infertility. It was a cruel dynamic. Despite the pain, Hannah never lashed out. Instead, during one of the religious pilgrimages to Shiloh, she poured out her soul before God at the tabernacle. She prayed through her tears and made a vow that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate his life in service to the Lord. God heard her—and she gave birth to Samuel, who would grow up to be one of Israel’s greatest prophets.
What made Hannah’s response to her pain so unique?
It was her restraint, her grace, and her unwavering trust in God. When someone insults us or mocks us, our instinct is often to snap back, to defend ourselves. But Hannah didn’t do that. She internalized her pain and brought it to God. She never retaliated. Her strength wasn’t loud—it was quiet, faithful, and deeply rooted in spiritual maturity. She is an example of how to suffer well, and how to keep your eyes fixed on God in the hardest of moments.
How did this toxic household dynamic play out?
It was emotionally brutal. Elkanah loved Hannah more than Penina, and that favoritism only made things worse. Penina lashed out in jealousy and used Hannah’s infertility against her. And while Elkanah was a godly man in many ways—he made those annual pilgrimages to worship—he made a critical mistake by marrying two women. That choice created a home environment filled with tension and grief. And yet, Hannah rose above it. She didn’t engage in pettiness. She endured, and she trusted God.
In what ways did her husband contribute to this dynamic?
Elkanah made a mistake that many of us make—he followed cultural norms without consulting God’s will. Polygamy might have been socially acceptable at the time, but it was never God’s design. Even though he was faithful in his worship, he was spiritually blind in his relationships. If he had prayed before marrying a second wife, if he had sought wisdom, perhaps much of the emotional chaos could have been avoided.
How did Hannah’s act of giving Samuel to God impact her spiritually and emotionally?
It was a monumental act of obedience and trust. Imagine praying desperately for something—then receiving it—and immediately surrendering it back to God. That’s what Hannah did. She gave Samuel to the priests to be raised in the tabernacle. It wasn’t symbolic; she truly let go. But God didn’t leave her empty. He blessed her with more children and honored her sacrifice. Spiritually, it was transformative. Emotionally, it must have been bittersweet—but it’s a testament to her trust in God’s bigger plan.
What do you think kept her going during the hardest moments?
I think Hannah was deeply rooted in truth and probably raised in an environment where love and faith were present. Her security didn’t come from external validation but from her internal relationship with God. That’s what gave her the strength to endure shame, cruelty, and heartbreak. She had a quiet, powerful assurance that God saw her—and that was enough.
How can people today learn from Hannah’s example when they’re faced with pain?
First, we have to realize that pain doesn’t need to be fought with more pain. Hannah shows us how to rise above. She teaches us to respond with prayer, not with retaliation. We also learn that waiting on God’s timing is not wasted time. She remained faithful through years of disappointment—and when the answer came, it was greater than she could have imagined.
Why do you think her story still resonates so deeply today?
Because we all know what it’s like to feel unseen, unheard, or left out. We all carry pain, and sometimes it feels like God isn’t listening. Hannah shows us that He is. She reminds us that our pain isn’t the end of the story—it might just be the beginning of something sacred.
What can we do today to model Hannah’s faith in our modern, fast-paced lives?
We have to slow down and make space for God. It’s so easy to distract ourselves with noise—social media, television, the busyness of life. But we need those quiet moments to reflect, pray, and read scripture. Hannah didn’t have any distractions. She simply poured her soul out. We can do that, too, if we’re intentional.
How does adversity shape our faith, as it did for Hannah?
Adversity reveals the depth of our faith. Hannah could have given up, but she didn’t. Her trials refined her trust in God. Pain can either break us or build us—and for her, it built something unshakable. She teaches us that even in spiritual silence, God is working.
Have you personally experienced a time when giving your burdens to God led to a breakthrough?
Definitely. I’ve faced seasons of uncertainty—especially early in life when I struggled to find a job or a partner. I prayed through that loneliness and confusion, and God provided in His time. He brought me a wonderful wife and opened doors I didn’t expect. We also faced major challenges raising our daughter, who has had her own struggles. Those moments tested our faith—but they also deepened it. God didn’t always remove the pain, but He helped us endure it and grow through it.
How did your daughter’s journey shape your spiritual walk?
In a profound way. Watching her face mental health challenges has been incredibly difficult. But she has strong faith—and that humbles me. My wife and I have grown closer, not just to each other, but to God. We’ve had to lean on Him every day. It’s taught me that faith isn’t just about answers—it’s about walking through the struggle with trust.
What would you say to someone who feels like God isn’t listening?
I would say—don’t lose hope. God hears you. It might feel like a brick wall right now, but that wall isn’t permanent. Hannah waited for years. So did others in scripture. Keep praying. Keep surrounding yourself with people who can support you. And most importantly, stay in the Word. That’s where hope lives.
Tell us a bit about the book series you’re writing. What inspired it?
The inspiration came from something Jesus said in John 5:39—that the Old Testament scriptures testify about Him. That fascinated me. So I started reading through the Old Testament with new eyes, asking: “Is Jesus really on every page?” And what I found amazed me. Each book of my series explores how different Old Testament stories and prophecies point directly to the Messiah. It’s for Christians who want to go deeper—and also for Jewish readers who are open to exploring who Jesus is.
How many books are in the series so far?
There are four planned. The first two are published, and I’m working on the third now. Anyone interested can visit my website, lovingkindnessofadonai.com, where you can read a free sample chapter by signing up. It’s a great way to explore the themes I write about and see how Jesus is revealed throughout scripture.
What kind of feedback have you received from readers?
It’s been deeply moving. Readers tell me the books help them connect with the Bible in ways they never had before. For some Christians, it’s deepened their understanding of the Old Testament. For some Jewish readers, it’s opened their hearts to the idea that Jesus may truly be the fulfillment of the promises found in their scriptures. That kind of impact humbles me.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can visit my website at lovingkindnessofadonai.com. You’ll find information about my books, free resources, and links to my podcast, which is also available on Stacey’s platform. I love connecting with people who are curious, faithful, or just searching. We’re all on a journey—and I’d be honored to walk with anyone who wants to explore deeper truths.
Mark, this has been such a meaningful and enlightening conversation. Every time we speak, I walk away with more understanding and encouragement. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your heart with us.
Thank you, Stacey. I always enjoy our conversations. You ask such thoughtful questions, and I appreciate the opportunity to share these timeless truths. It means a lot.
