Who is taunting you? Who is belittling you and making you feel lesser than? Who has been making you believe that God has forgotten you because things seem on the surface, to be going better for them than for you? I’m here to encourage you to snap out of weariness and of the lies and dig deeper into your faith in Christ. The enemy will use the people closest to you to bring you down—But only so long as you’ll allow it.
I’m not going to write it here, but I would like to encourage you to read 1 Samuel 1. Elkanah is a type and shadow of Yahweh. Hear His voice in Elkanah’s words to Hannah. Put your name in the blank space “_____, Why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than (whatever you desire) ten sons?”
That’s what our Lord is asking. Doesn’t He mean more to us than things? It’s not that He’s holding anything back from us, it’s that the timing of the request may not suit His will for your life at the moment. When Hannah finally stopped allowing her situation and rival from controlling her, but rather turned her anguish into a formal request to the Lord, Purpose and desire collided. The birth of Samuel would usher in a new era. The silence of God was about to be replaced with Israel’s first prophet. Hannah kept her vow and gave her firstborn back to the Lord for His service. And the voice of Yahweh was heard once more. Timing is everything with God.
Don’t allow the Peninnah’s of this world to taunt you. They will never sing your songs. They will never experience your joy in waiting. I remember how my daughter would be so downhearted sometimes about not finding a mate. I would always remind her that if God had wanted her married at a younger age she would’ve been. I encouraged her to enjoy her life the way it was and her Father would do what He thought was best for her. No sooner had she resolved to release everything to her Father, He sent her spouse in a most unusual way. I’m convinced that when we move out of the way, God will make His move. Hannah prayed and moved out of the way. And the Lord remembered her. It didn’t happen right away for Hannah, nor for my daughter, but the timing in both instances couldn’t be better. Please, please, read chapter 1.
God will give us our self worth and voices back when we choose to pray instead of sulking. Bullies fade in the background when we take their power away by not feeding into their lies. I know nothing of Peninnah’s children not even their names, all we know is that she had children. We all know the name Samuel- God’s first prophet to Israel. We also know from Hannah’s testimony that she gave birth to six other sons and daughters. And according to Hannah, Peninnah was washed up but she flourished. Lol. God knows who needs to be born and when. He also knows through whom, so everything lines up with His will being done on earth. Never underestimate the timing of God. How many of you even remember the name Peninnah? My point exactly. But say the name Samuel and you remember his momma, Hannah. No one remembers a bully. Their name dies with them. Find your voice in the midst of the waiting. Don’t be depressed, pray. Get your answer, wait for the manifestation with joy. ‘Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.’ Hebrews 11:1.
All Hannah heard were these words from Eli;
“In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.”
1 Samuel 1:17-18 NLT
What have you heard in the secret place?
I mentioned at the onset that Hannah found her voice. Who knew that prophecy was in her repertoire? I’ll let her tell you in her own words. Maybe you’ll be encouraged to find your voice and pray your own prophetic words. Let’s listen as Hannah prays.
“Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because You rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. “Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done; He will judge your actions. The bow of the mighty is now broken, and those who stumbled are now strong. Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full. The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away. The Lord gives both death and life; He brings some down to the grave but raises others up. The Lord makes some poor and others rich; He brings some down and lifts others up. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s, and He has set the world in order. “He will protect His faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone. Those who fight against the Lord will be shattered. He thunders against them from heaven; the Lord judges throughout the earth. He gives power to His king; He increases the strength of His anointed One.”
1 Samuel 2:1-10 NLT
Who knew these words were in Hannah? The woman weeping in anguish of heart because of the taunting of her rival. Who but God could draw out of barrenness such boldness and courage? Such insight and encouragement to those of us reading this thousands of years later? Don’t worry about the time, He isn’t moved by it. Rest assuredly and confidently in Him. Let Him help you find your voice again.
I will close with these timeless words from Isaiah. They’re among my favorite verses in the Bible:
“Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the Lord.
“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is His Name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.”
Isaiah 54:1, 4-5 NLT
When you know Him like I do, people’s estimation, criticism or judgment, pales in comparison with His words of affirmation. We can trust His Word, they’re not flatteries, they’re promises-Kept before we’ve even read them. They were written awaiting our arrival. So don’t concern yourself about what hasn’t happened. He’s worth more than anything you could ever desire. So find your voice, belt out your praise to Him. You’ve already received your request.
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant
May 19,2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaZvXrnpSEc&feature=youtu.be