I Samuel Chapter 1

1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: 2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. 4 And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 1 Samuel 1:1-4

Verse 4

And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 1 Samuel 1:4

I can hear Elkanah saying, “I hope I am doing the right thing”. Even though Peninnah was not his favorite wife – he still had an obligation to sustain her and his children. I applaud his efforts in being a supportive father securing the future of his children.

Can you imagine Hannah’s thoughts as Elkanah embraced children that did not come from her womb? Keeping composure and focus are certainly important while going through hardships. Difficulty causes one to tremble but it is also an opportunity to learn pressing in power.

Although it was challenging for Hannah to watch her husband show affection to another woman – she had an assurance that Peninnah did not have. Elkanah “LOVED Hanna”. This man Elkanah was obedient to God. He was a great leader for his family. Hannah’s husband did not abuse or mock her situation. He was a devoted and loyal husband. In the mist of adversity – be like faithful Hannah.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:5-6

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

Testing times shall come. Faith shall be challenged. Hardship will arise. Be encouraged in your struggles. Stay in the fight. Refrain from leaning to your own understanding. Don’t just acknowledge God for direction – but follow the path He provides. There is a hand that you can reach out toooooo… Peter’s faith began to fail while he walked on water. Jesus immediately stretched out His hand to save Peter. “Hold on to God’s Unchanging hand”.

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come.
And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matthew 14:22-31

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31