By Morris Wambua

The Tragedy of Peninah: A Lesson in Compassion, Judgment, and the Power of Intercession

If Peninah had known, she would have become Hannah’s personal intercessor.

God had placed her in a unique position near a woman who was bitter, broken, and struggling under the crushing weight of barrenness. But instead of extending a hand of compassion, Peninah chose to gossip, mock, and point fingers.

She became the voice whispering behind closed doors, spreading rumors that Hannah's suffering was a result of some hidden sin or personal flaw.

How tragic it is when people are blind to their God-given roles in the lives of those around them!

Peninah’s failure is not just a story from ancient scripture; it’s a warning that echoes through the ages. It's a reminder of how easily we can misunderstand God's purpose when we judge others rather than seeing them through eyes of mercy.

Peninah missed her calling, meant to be Hannah’s silent prayer warrior. Her actions offended God, and as a result, none of her children achieved greatness. The legacy she could have built was squandered because of her pride and scorn.

The Modern Peninahs: A Call to Self-Examination

We often read stories like Peninah's and think, "I would never be that way."

Yet, how many times have we judged others without considering that we might have been placed in their lives not for criticism, but for intercession?

In today's society, we're quick to jump to conclusions, spread rumors, and criticize others who are struggling. It's easy to point fingers when we see someone falter, but it's much harder to kneel in
prayer for their restoration.

How many people have you judged, mocked, or gossiped about instead of offering up prayers on their behalf?

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “They must have brought this upon themselves”?

In doing so, we inadvertently become like Peninah, missing our true calling as intercessors.

The church today faces a crisis of compassion.

Pulpits once filled with messages of hope and love are sometimes used to criticize and ridicule others. Instead of being places where burdens are lifted, they can become stages for public shaming.

This isn't the church Christ intended.

The question is, how do we turn this tide?

How do we reclaim our places as true prayer warriors rather than critics?

The Danger of a Judging Heart: Missing the Divine Purpose

When you choose to mock or criticize others, especially those in the midst of their struggles, you position yourself against the very purpose God has for you.

God never places us near someone in pain just to highlight their failures. More often, He is inviting us to be part of their healing journey.

Peninah could have been the compassionate friend that Hannah so desperately needed. She could have encouraged her, uplifted her in prayer, and joined her in seeking God for a miracle.

Instead, she chose the easier path—one of gossip and scorn.

Look around you.

How many people in your life are struggling, carrying heavy burdens, and fighting silent battles?

Are you offering prayers for them, or are you simply talking about their troubles to others?

God's purpose for positioning you near someone in pain is rarely about judgment and almost always about intercession.

It is in those moments of prayer that we align ourselves with God's heart and intentions.

A Culture of Mockery: When Churches Lose Their Compassion

In some modern churches, the altar has transformed into a platform where one ministry criticizes another. Congregations gather not to intercede but to listen to gossip and slander.

We see pastors and members alike who are more eager to talk about others’ misfortunes than to help them through their struggles.

Is it any wonder that the glory of God seems to be missing from many of these places?

We must reflect on this tragedy.

The house of God should be a sanctuary of grace, a haven where prayers rise for those who falter. When we fail to pray for others, we become part of the problem.

We may even block our own blessings because, like Peninah, we mock the very individuals whom God has called us to support.

The Power of Humility: Rising Above the Judgment

Humility is a powerful tool in the hands of a true intercessor. It allows us to see others through the lens of God's grace.

When you humble yourself and pray for those who are struggling, you align yourself with the divine purpose. But how often do we allow pride to cloud our judgment?

We look at others’ failures and use them as fodder for conversation instead of turning those moments into opportunities for prayer.

The same grace and favor that helped the prophet Samuel to rise in Israel were ready to help
Peninah's children. But Peninah's actions closed off that blessing.

In criticizing and belittling Hannah, she forfeited the legacy her children could have had.

How many blessings have we lost because of our prideful mockery of others?

Turning the Reflection Inward: Your Role as an Intercessor

Now, let's bring this reflection closer to home.

How often have you found yourself the target of mockery or judgment?

It's easy to focus on the words spoken against you, but the real power lies in turning to God in those moments.

Run back to Jesus with a pure heart, free from bitterness. His grace is enough to heal your wounds and to elevate you despite the opinions of others.

This is a season of self-examination.

Ask God for mercy for the times you’ve judged rather than interceded.

Remember, the prophecy over your life is potent; it doesn't require the downfall of others to
be fulfilled.

The blessings God has for you are unique to your journey, and they are not dependent on someone else's failure.

If you’ve found yourself in the position of Peninah, standing close to someone who is in pain or struggling, now is the time to change your approach.

Choose to become a prayer warrior rather than a critic.

When you hear of someone’s failures, bring them before God in prayer, not before others in gossip.

A Challenge for Today’s Church: Becoming True Intercessors

Today's church can become a beacon of hope, a place where the weary find rest and support. But to do so, we need a cultural shift.

We need to move away from the spirit of Peninah and embrace the call of intercession. True prayer warriors are not those who boast about their spiritual achievements but those who quietly stand in the gap for others.

If you are ready to become that intercessor, it starts with prayer and repentance.

Ask God to forgive you for the times you've judged others rather than prayed for them.

Seek a heart of mercy, eyes that view others through the lens of grace, and hands ready to uplift the weary.

The Legacy of Compassion: A Life of Honor and Glory

Imagine what our churches, communities, and families could look like if we chose to become intercessors rather than critics.

When we stand in prayer, refusing to mock those on their journey, we pave the way for the glory of God to manifest among us.

The legacy of those who choose compassion over pride is far greater than the fleeting satisfaction of judgment.

Let us not be like Peninah, who forfeited her children’s legacy because of her harshness.

Let us strive to be vessels of God’s love, grace, and mercy in a world desperate for compassion.

Will You Be an Intercessor or a Mocking Spectator?

Friend, God has positioned you uniquely in someone’s life for a reason. The choice is yours: will you intercede or mock?

Will you use your voice for prayer or gossip?

Remember, the legacy of those who choose to become intercessors is eternal.

There is glory ahead for those who stand in prayer rather than judgment.

So today, let us commit to becoming true intercessors.

If you are ready to make that commitment, then it’s time to pray. Lay aside every mockery, every hurt, every word spoken against you.

Bring them to the feet of Jesus and allow His love to wash over you.

Ask Him to give you a heart of compassion, a heart that reflects His love for others.

Together, let us transform our churches into places of hope and intercession.

Let us lift up those around us and refuse to mock those who are still on their journey. This is how we fulfill the calling of Christ: by standing in the gap, lifting each other up, and choosing love over judgment.

If you are ready to become that intercessor, then let us bow our heads and pray for hearts of compassion, humility, and grace.

Let us take up our roles as true prayer warriors in a world that desperately needs them.