03/03/2024
DAILY BOOST 4th/03/2024*
THE LORD REMEMBERED HER(HANNAH )
1Samuel 1:6-7 And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat.
Provocation is generally bad, and yet there are times it brings out the best in us. In 1 Samuel 1:1-20, it is recorded that Peninah had children but Hannah her co-wife had none. Peninah provoked Hannah so much that she irritated her.
Elkanah their husband loved Hannah regardless; he would give her a double portion of meat. However, because of the provocation of Peninah, she often broke down and cried, and the husband would ask her if he was not more to her than ten sons.
Hannah had had it! She moved into the temple with all bitterness, frustration and pain and poured her heart to the Lord.
Peninah had pushed her out of the comfort of having the double portion, and the favor of her husband.
Peninah made her realize the important thing that she did not have; children. What I perceive is that Hannah did not get back at Peninah; she knew where to take her bitterness. She went straight to the temple and pleaded with the Lord to remember her.
This reminds me of a time when I was still at university, we had a neighbor back home who used to provoke me telling lies about me and one of my uncles to the entire village of how we were not at university but just walking on the streets of Kampala doing nothing. It really pained me to the marrow that I determined to graduate and make a party at home .I surely did so ,graduated and the party was made .He was so ashamed, we proved him wrong before the entire village.
Do not just wallow in self pity when you are provoked, like Hannah did, go to God and pour out your heart to Him. The Bible says in 1Sam 1:19, Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife and the Lord REMEMBERED her.
Key Learning Point: When provoked, turn to God for help.
Reflections: Are there areas in your life where you have been provoked? A child, job, spouse, healing, provision?
Prayer and Response: Cry out to God today and ask him to remember you in those areas that have brought you bitterness of soul.
Pastor Joseph Kalyango@Relentless city church Luweero
For prayer 0704951870/0782943133