And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninah. Peninah had children, but Hannah had no children. And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore, she wept and did not eat. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.
Memory verse: Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.1Peter 5:7
A few times we find ourselves in very difficult situations and truth be told, even a little discomfort can make life feel very miserable and even worse is the case of rivalry which in Hannah’s life was a big problem.
A few facts were known about Hannah but most importantly was that She was loved by her husband and the bible tells us that not only did he love her but he made it obvious by showing it. According to the scriptures, in the time of annual offerings, whatever Elkanah gave to Peninah and her sons, to Hannah he would give a double portion because he loved her 1Samuel 1 :4-5.
Ordinarily because Hannah had her husband’s love, she many not have been so bothered about her childlessness but she had Peninah her rival constantly reminding her by tormenting her and was on a mission to frustrate Hannah. And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb 1Samuel 1:6.
The enemy knows you belong to the Lord and will always have a game plan to use what you are going through to frustrate you. Many of us respond to that frustration in different ways; for some it results in becoming distant from God and start seeking alternatives while in the case of others, they may decide to curse God. Jobs wife told him “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job 2:9.
Once we begin to go contrary to seeking the face of God during our problems, we are playing the enemy’s game and that only can ever lead to destruction as the enemy has no good end and when we allow our problems push us into the wrong path then we are automatically sinning against God and there can only be one reward – Death. There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12.
Hannah did not play Peninah’s game. She was in pain but she used her anger in the right way by channeling it into aggressive prayers. She focused on the one who is able to change her situation. Our situation cannot be our excuse from departing from the presence of God rather our situation should make us focus more on God and draw nearer and closer like Hannah did.
Life can be hard so it’s natural to take the path of less resistance when faced with difficulties but are you going to be like Hannah or are you playing the enemy’s game? There is still an opportunity to back out and focus on God today!
PRAYERS
- Father I am grateful for another wonderful day blessing filled
- Thank You for I am strong and steadfast, unmovable by the enemy because you strengthen me
- Help me Lord through the difficult times, let them draw me closer to you rather than apart from you.
- I rededicate my life to you Lord, I surrender all to you and key into your times and seasons
- I surrender myself Lord, build me up, use me for your purpose.
- Do a new thing in my life Lord, give me new beginnings, multiply me in all fronts, help me to serve you wholeheartedly.
- Help me to assume my rightful position in you, let me get to draw nearer and closer to you
- Help me Lord to make the right choice, leaving all behind and embracing the light
- Father help me to further know you better, reveal yourself unto me
- I desire wisdom Father, crown me with it and grant me understanding in all areas of life
- Help me to walk with you daily, live my life for you and be at the centre of it all
- Forgive me Lord of all my iniquities, bless me abundantly and make me a blessing unto others, in Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.
