Divorce is not the only tragedy that can directly split a home. In fact, the separation caused by death often impacts the home similar to the act of divorce. Throughout scripture, the Lord promises to minister to and defend those whose homes are torn apart because of death’s sting. Though this separation is not always directly caused by specific sin, all death results as a consequence of the entry of sin into the world. As such, the Lord shows Himself strong to those who feel its impact most. Any time a home is severed there are difficulties, but the difficulties of losing a husband and father require special attention from the Lord and He is glad to offer His strength to those directly affected. The God of the Bible is the God of the widow and the fatherless, and He never forsakes His own.
Elkanah had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah remained barren. Peninnah used this opportunity of Hannah’s barren state to provoke her, hoping that she could trouble her rival. The Christian’s primary adversary is much different from Peninnah, but Satan’s goal and resolve is identical to this example. The adversary, the Devil (1 Peter 5:8), wants believers to live troubled, fretful, and defeated lives. If he can cause a believer to fret and to worry and to complain, he has a much greater chance of turning that believer’s heart against the Lord (Proverbs 19:3). The Devil knows that if he turns the heart, he might be able to cause that believer to curse the Lord (Isaiah 8:21). Satan uses worry as one of the foundational elements in his multipronged attack to bring about his greater objective. He wants to turn hearts against God! Those believers who struggle most with worry offer Satan the greatest chance of success
