Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-10
Today, we delve into the story of Hannah and Peninnah, two women whose lives were intertwined in a unique way. While Peninnah was seen as a rival to Hannah, she unknowingly carried an anointing that pushed Hannah towards her amazing blessing. This story teaches us a valuable lesson about the role of certain individuals in our lives, whom we may perceive as enemies but are actually agents of God assigned to propel us towards our destiny.
Hannah longed for a child, but she faced the constant torment of Peninnah, who had been blessed with children. Peninnah's provocation seemed relentless, causing Hannah great sorrow and distress. However, little did Hannah know that God was using Peninnah's actions to stir her heart towards positive actions and ultimately lead her into a covenant with Him.
Sometimes, we encounter people in our lives who seem to oppose us at every turn. They may be colleagues, family members, or even friends. We may be tempted to view them as enemies, but in reality, they may be operating under the Peninnah anointing. God uses them to push us out of our comfort zones, complacency, and mediocrity, so that we can experience the amazing blessings He has in store for us.
It is important to remember that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). He often works through unconventional means to bring about His purposes in our lives. Just as Peninnah's provocation led Hannah to seek God fervently, the challenges we face from those operating under the Peninnah anointing can serve as catalysts for positive change and growth.
Instead of harboring bitterness or resentment towards those who seem to oppose us, let us choose to see them as instruments in God's hands. They may be unknowingly fulfilling their divine assignment to push us towards our destiny. Rather than allowing their actions to discourage us, let us respond with grace, humility, and a determination to seek God wholeheartedly.
In the case of Hannah, her response to Peninnah's provocation was to pour out her heart before the Lord in prayer. She made a vow to dedicate her child to God if He would grant her the desire of her heart. God heard her cry, and in due time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to Samuel, an amazing blessing that forever changed the course of Israel's history.
Dear members, let us not despise the Peninnahs in our lives. Instead, let us recognize that they are part of God's plan to propel us towards our amazing blessings. May we respond to their provocation with faith, prayer, and positive actions, knowing that God is using them to refine us and prepare us for the fulfillment of His promises.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the story of Hannah and Peninnah, which reminds us of Your sovereign ways. Help us to discern the Peninnah anointing in our lives and respond with grace and humility. Give us the strength to turn our challenges into opportunities for growth and positive actions. May we trust in Your divine plan and experience the amazing blessings You have in store for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
May you be encouraged and empowered by the Peninnah anointing in your life, as you press forward towards the fulfillment of God's promises.Blessings,
Apostle Dr Revival John Ringjwat
