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God works through circumstances, thereby fulfilling His thoughts and purposes in our lives. Let us examine how His instruments, Elkan and Pennina, are used in our practical lives.
Hanna's trial and comfort
“There was a man from Ramathaim-Zophim, in the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah, […]. He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children” (1 Samuel 1:1-2).
Here I would like to draw attention to two instruments in God's hand: Elkanah and Pennina. Hannah constantly found herself between these two "instruments" and experienced in different ways how God worked in her life. At that time in Israel, having children, especially sons, was considered a blessing and an honor.
Peninnah constantly discouraged the childless Hannah by emphasizing her childlessness. She repeatedly brought Hannah to tears, so much so that Hannah was even tempted to murmur against God's decision to keep her unborn. She begged God for a son. Peninnah was particularly persistent with Hannah whenever they went to the house of the Lord.
But Hannah was not deterred from visiting God's sanctuary. There she could pour out her heart to God in a special way. Hannah also believed that Pennina was clearly being favored, since she and her children received portions of the sacrifice. Despite this experience, she clung to the Lord, for she knew that only He could grant her request. Elkanah, seeing her suffering, endeavored to comfort his wife by now giving her a special portion of the sacrifice and consoling her with the words, "Am I not worth more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8).
This comfort strengthened Hannah, and she sought refuge in God.
God is forming for an important mission
God used the circumstances in Hannah's life. She had no idea that God was preparing something special for His people through her. One circumstance didn't suit Hannah at all. This circumstance was called "Pennina."
We focus on the central idea and recognize a similar picture in our own lives. God seeks people whom He can use and through whom He can glorify Himself among His people. When we make ourselves available to Him, He works on us through these two instruments. Through "Pennina," we enter a broken and humble state. God says in Isaiah 57:15: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit."
This state comes into our lives through unpleasant circumstances. We no longer understand what is happening. However, through this, God reaches something precious within us—the fruits of righteousness. Pennina makes us more dependent on God; we seek every opportunity to speak with God. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
Pennina ensures that we experience this bliss and thus delve into its depths. God reveals to us the depths of His Word, and we taste the depths of His grace. Paul says in Ephesians 3:18: “To comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height of God.”
It also ensures that we surrender our ego and give Jesus control over our lives. Jesus himself says in Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself.”
We recognize that "Pennina" is an important tool. It helps us meet God's requirements. We want God to change these circumstances because we are tired and listless. However, if God changes these circumstances, He cannot glorify Himself.
We experience moments when a heavy burden weighs on our hearts, and we toy with the idea of simply giving up. At this moment, Elkanah intervenes—he speaks words of encouragement to us: “Hannah, why are you weeping and not eating? Why is your heart so sad?” (1 Samuel 1:8). God has His “Elkanahs” in the church. Through circumstances, He refreshes and comforts us. We gain the confidence to keep fighting.
David and Joseph
Before God placed David on the throne, He worked on him through these two instruments. Saul and Jonathan were the "Pennina and Elkanah" in his life. Saul caused David severe hardship, and Jonathan repeatedly refreshed him. The Psalms reveal David's profound understanding.
Difficult circumstances helped him achieve this. David eventually said that his travels had taken him through beautiful regions, even though he often encountered Peninna there. God said of David that he was a man after God's own heart. These two tools are necessary for us to become like God.
We see a similar picture in Joseph's life. God led him through deep valleys and lifted him up again. I can imagine how he was sometimes perplexed and despairing. But then came the moment when God made him a powerful instrument. It took about 13 years for God's promise to be fulfilled. During this time, God used instruments to prepare Joseph to become a great blessing to his father's household and many others.
We look to people through whom God's blessing flows and enriches others, and we also want to be a blessing.
Sanctify yourself, make yourself available to Him, and be thankful to Him when you are surrounded by unpleasant circumstances. This is God's work and a preparation in your life.
Do you wish to be a useful vessel? Then agree to "Elkana and Pennina". God bless you!
Matthias Maurer
Municipality of Bremerhaven