our response to grace.

In 1 Samuel we learn about Hannah & Peninnah.  We read about Eli and Samuel.  In each case, their response to grace is contrasted.  Hannah had every right to be upset with God and refuse his grace.  But, instead she embraced God and her suffering.   In the end, God blessed her with a son, Samuel, and eventually more children.  Peninnah should have been basking in God's grace.  But, instead, she turned it into jealousy, hatred, and bitterness.  Her response made her children nothing but a footnote in Scripture!  

Eli was a priest and had a family with two sons.  His response to grace was not good.  Instead of correcting his two boys of perversion, he let them run wild and desecrate the temple and God.  Eli's physical blindness was a indication of his spiritual blindness.   Samuel heard God's voice and became a faithful servant.  Samuel listened when God spoke.  His response to God's grace was admirable and faithful to the very end.


What is your response to grace?  Will you respond like Peninnah & Eli or like Eli & Samuel?