Provoked
Have you ever been provoked?
I Samuel 1:6-7 says “because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.” I know most people would say they are not about to lose sleep much less shed tears over a “rival”. But some do. Hannah did. Hannah was taunted by her rival, you know, one who strives for competitive advantage, because Hannah was unable to conceive. She was looked upon as less than.
Have you been looked upon as less than? I have. I have been taunted for the car I drive, the style of my hair, my physical appearance, the clothes that I have worn, the area I have lived. Whew. I had one to begin to ask my opinion of an outfit she was wearing only to be looked head to toe and waved off with a “never mind”. Ouch.
I understand the plight of Hannah. Downward comparison it is called in social psychology. It is a comparison made to those perceived to be inferior in some aspect. Hannah was provoked for so long that it caused her to cry and not eat. She was miserable. She said so herself.
What can we learn from Hannah when we are being compared as inferior?
Hannah did the following things:
1. She exercised self-control. I wonder did she ever consider punching the rival in the face. Well the thought crossed my mind. Inflict some level of physical pain that compared to the emotional pain I felt. However, Hannah restrained herself.
2. She expressed her TRUE feelings. She did not try to cast her emotions to the side with a superficial “I don’t care”. She was miserable. In anguish. And she let it be known.
3. She prayed earnestly to the Lord. “And she kept on praying” verse 12 states. She prayed without ceasing.
Although provoked, God gave her a loving husband that understood the stigma of not being able to conceive. He gave her double portions because of his love for her. And God granted her request to birth a son. If you are being provoked by someone who looks at you as inferior, consider Hannah’s example. Be encouraged. God hears you. He will answer and send support!