1 Samuel 1:6 

New International Version (NIV)

Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.

For Meditation

Elkanah took two wives – Hannah and Peninnah (1 Sam. 1:2). Maybe he thought he could make each of them happy, but he soon found out he was wrong.

Peninnah had children, but unfortunately for Hannah, God had closed her womb (1 Sam. 1:6). The rivalry thickened, as Peninnah mocked and provoked Hannah to make her feel miserable. To feel Hannah’s misery, you must remember that in Israel at that time, barrenness was the most shameful condition for any woman, and Peninnah made sure Hannah felt it. So, how did Hannah respond? How do you respond to a provocative situation like that?

Hannah turned to God and poured her heart to Him in prayer (vs.10). She made a vow to God that if He gave her a son, she would give the boy back to Him for life. Now, that’s how you respond to provocation. Not by verbal or physical exchange with the other person. You go to the Lord and pour your heart to Him. He sees your misery and hears the cry of the afflicted and will surely honor His name in it.

As you read on, your will come to one of the most beautiful narration in scripture. “So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son (vs.20). Isn’t that beautiful! God remembered Hannah and opened her womb because she did not take matters into her own hands, but rather found consolation in Him. Best of all, Hannah did not gloat as Peninnah did when she had Samuel. She remembered the One who gave her the child and honored her vows to Him (vs. 27-28).

1. So, has someone set their eyes on you to make your life miserable, and make your world feel like hell on earth?
2. Have you set the glory of God before you in this situation?
3. Do you remember how they taunted and provoked Jesus on the cross and His response of compassion to their worse efforts (Mk. 15:31-33)?
4. Can you make Him your example in dealing with the insults and abuse and offense that may be provoking you to revenge (Heb. 12:2-3)?
5. Can you be a Hannah today?

I pray you remember that it’s never about you, but all about Christ.

So: May you turn to Jesus and see what He would do to glorify Himself in your situation; and may joy fill your home just as Hannah experienced when Samuel was born (1 Sam. 1:20).

Shalom