1 Samuel 1:2 (NKJV)

“And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.”

I believe Hannah was the first wife because she was mentioned first, and I think Elkanah must have married Penninah because Hannah couldn’t give birth. That seemed like the acceptable practice in those days, and Elkanah simple followed the practiced customs of his day. But was it correct to have so done? Why could he not wait for God and trust God to intervene in Hannah’s situation?

Don’t be in a hurry to solve your problems following the customs of the people around you. God has a unique plan and calling for you, and following others will only multiply your sorrows. Within the present situation is a miracle of God. Samuel was the miracle God had prepared for Elkanah, but he was in too much of a rush to have children. Wait for God to move into your seemingly shameful or barren situation. Wait for God’s timing and God’s strategy. Penninah may be okay for others around you but stick with your Hannah. Stick with God’s choice for your life, even if it seems like God’s choice is barren. Wait for God.

“It’s so hard to wait, Lord. It seems like waiting is a waste of time, and we are often tempted to follow public opinion rather than wait. But Lord, I commit to waiting. Restrain me, Lord. Teach me the discipline of waiting for Your timing and Your ways. Amen.”