The Woman’s Predicament

Elkanah had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. “Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. ...And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the LORD had closed her womb. 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.” 1 Sam 1:1-2, 4-7I know your situation might be completely different from Hannah’s; you may or may not share a husband with some other person because you are not foolish! But there are some Christian sisters you cannot stand. They are always on your case! They find it difficult to leave you alone. Wherever you go they are there and they would always want to have a say in your life. The big problem is that they seem to be interested more in pulling you down than in building you up. It is certainly easier to deal with people who do not like you and are not related to you. But what do you do when those trying to destroy you are those closest to you? What do you do when those spreading rumor about you are those you share the same house or church with? And what do you do when those you ought to run to in times of trouble cannot hide their hatred for you. What do you do when those plotting your downfall are the same people you pray with?…Peninnah had children but Hannah had no children: Just because we have things that others do not have does not necessarily make us better than they are. Just because my blessing got here before that of the other person does not give me the right to discourage him/her. Just because I got blessed before them does not make me any better before God. Ishmael was born before Isaac but Isaac was God’s chosen son of promise. Absalom came before Solomon but Solomon was chosen to be King and not Absalom. Leah had children with Jacob before her sister Rachael but Rachael’s children were Jacob’s favorites. God chose Jacob over Esau. He chose David who was the youngest over all his older brothers. God does not see the way man sees. When we think we are favored, we fool ourselves in the eyes of God. Peninnah might boast now but tomorrow is Hannah’s day because God will give her a Samuel!God can change your situation with just one blessing. People can say all they want. Let them go ahead and gossip about you. As a matter of fact, they are free to make jest of you. Let them be scornful and spiteful in every way possible. Just one blessing from God to you is enough to put an end to all unfavorable comments! They fight you because they do not know the God you serve. They mistreat you because they do not know whose you are. But I tell you, you are God’s baby; you are more than special; you are God’s treasure; you are beautifully and wonderfully made; you are God’s substance; you have a destiny; you are not an accident; your blessing will surely come; Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.…And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable: Sometimes people do things in order to make you miserable and lose hope. They are commissioned agents of the Devil whose mission is to destroy you. I come to tell you that they are wrong. Read Psalm 37:1-6 which says you should not fret because of evildoers. Just trust in God and He will fulfill the desires of your heart.When you deal with wicked people do not fret. When you come face to face with nefarious or dangerous people do not be afraid. When people become envious of you and plot against you, do not be fearful. God knows how to deal with iniquity. He has a plan for your deliverance. Lay all your trust on God. Sometimes the devil will provoke you to react and do something you will live to regret. Do not fall for his trap. Be consistent in doing good. Be constant at God’s altar of prayer. Be focused.So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, that she provoked her: You see Hannah knew where to go when under attack. She did not sit in the house and have a pity party. She did not rush down the block to the pharmacy to buy a pill to calm her mind down. She did not swear and curse at her tormentor. She went to the house of the LORD; bless His name! You see there is a place you can go to when you are going through turbulent times. There is no place like it. Read Psalm 27:1-5, dwell in the house of the Lord and He will hide you in His pavilion. (This is an excerpt from the book which I co-authored with Pastor Justus Orori. It is titled “HELP!”? This book has currently sold out, however you may call us @ 516-860-5729 to obtain your copy. This book speaks to every issue in the family lets you know how to maintain a good relationship God’s way and also impress upon your heart that the best is an illusion unless God is in it.  Thank you.

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