THERE IS A HANNAH IN ALL OF US!

We all know the story of Hannah. Hannah faced something that every woman dreads – barrenness. It was especially hard for her because, in those times, women who bore children were celebrated and highly esteemed. This was not the case for Hannah. Year after year she longed for a child, but nothing happened.

This mini-series will highlight some of Hannah’s characteristics that we all identify with at some point in our lives.

THE RIDICULED/DESPISED HANNAH

“Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.” (1 Samuel 1:4-7 NIV)

Peninnah was a nasty woman. She knew that Elkanah loved Hannah more than he loved her, so she decided to pick on Hannah. She deliberately took advantage of Hannah’s weakness and made fun of the thing that hurt Hannah the most – her inability to conceive. Can you imagine how that felt? Imagine being reminded of your weakness day after day!

I am sure we have all gone through moments like this. Moments when people around us look at us and say we will never amount to anything. Moments when we feel like everybody is making fun of us because we are not able to measure up to their expectations. Moments when we feel like people are laughing at us because we are not doing as well as they are. Moments when we are ridiculed for trusting God. It’s not easy!

“But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her…”

Elkanah was there for Hannah. He loved her. He was concerned when he saw her in tears. He felt her pain. Elkanah did for Hannah what the Lord does for us when people despise and ridicule us.

Dear friend, you may be feeling like you are worthless and that the world would be better off without you. You may be tired of the snide remarks and hurtful words. You may be sick of working so hard to be accepted and to fit in. Guess what – the Lord knows what you are going through. He is ready to comfort you and give you strength to face another day. He is walking with you. God is right by your side.

Yes, you may be going through ridicule just like Hannah. There may be people despising you and putting you down in front of others. Friend, your story does not end there. The Lord has so much in store for you. Let Him comfort you and fight your battles. Pour out your heart to Him today. He loves you.