God Wants Me to Persevere
In adversity
1 Samuel 1:1-7
Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 13-16 : PM - John 13
He [Elkanah] had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children (1 Sam. 1:2).
Adversity takes many forms. For Hannah, it took the form of an unfulfilled desire to have a child. Although her husband loved her and demonstrated it to her, her rival took delight in reminding Hannah of her barrenness. Hannah could have despaired, decided life was unfair, and immersed herself in self-pity. Fortified by her husband's love, she chose, however, to endure. Love has the unique capability of helping make adversity bearable.
Hannah's example reminds us that people can endure when life is not perfect and their desires go unfulfilled. Sometimes, like Hannah, we need to receive love from others to help us over rough spots. At other times, like her husband, we need to extend love to someone going through a difficult time.
Dear loving Lord, help me receive your love for me as I look for opportunities to confirm Your love and mine for someone who is having a difficult time.
