From provocation to praise

<p id="viewer-5uj84">Today I studied the birth of Prophet Samuel (1 Sam 1-2:11) and how Hannah prayed for Samuel’s birth after she has received years of humiliation and provocation from her husband’s other wife (Peninnah). </p>

<p id="viewer-bjaoq">Provocation is when evil stares you in the face and you are helpless to do anything about it. Provocation is when it appears that negative vibes surround you and you can hardly breathe. Provocation is the oppression and distress one suffers in a society that cares less about God. This was how Lot felt in Sodom (2 Pet 2:7)... but praise God that He is the deliverer.</p>

<blockquote id="viewer-7phsj"><strong>Provocation is when evil stares you in the face and you are helpless to do anything about it. Provocation is when it appears that negative vibes surround you and you can hardly breathe. Provocation is the oppression and distress one suffers in a society that cares less about God. This was how Lot felt in Sodom (2 Pet 2:7)... but praise God that He is the deliverer.</strong></blockquote>

<p id="viewer-f49nh">In 1 Sam 1:13, the bible recalls that Hannah prayed in her heart, though her lips moved but no words came out from her mouth. An observer (Eli) thought she was drunk but it was the pain of the heart, the burden of oppression, the choke of tyranny, the vice of provocation that killed her joy. </p>

<p id="viewer-5af3l">Here is the amazing thing. Once she prayed through and believed God has answered her prayer, Hannah’s countenance <strong>was no more sad</strong>. This is a huge lesson for us all. We may have gone to our prayer closet to cry unto God - with dejection, pain etc but we must leave with radiance because once we know our prayers have been answered, we should no longer draw a sad face, be anxious or allow oppression to break our spirit.</p>

<p id="viewer-10m0j">Hannah went on to give birth to Samuel - one of the greatest prophets in Israel. This shows that it is not how long you wait but the weight of what you carry that counts.</p>

<p id="viewer-frfp5">When the miracle happened and her prayers were answered, Hannah praised God for answering the prayers of her heart (1 Sam 2:1-10). <strong>Provocation has not turned to praise.</strong></p>

<p id="viewer-cvq1k">You may be waiting for a miracle, a breakthrough, a child, a husband/wife, peace etc and you are saying “God, when?” - I bring good news - God says to tell you - “the storm is over. Behold, I make all things new for you. You are not helpless. Release the shackles of despondency and embrace my Hope. My Hope says the Lord, does not bring shame. For those who hope in Me can never be stranded. When man says it is impossible and can not be done, that is when I bring forth My most spectacular display. Rest Child, you will give birth to the vision in your heart. Don’t give up”.</p>

<p id="viewer-2tg9n"><strong>Your provocation will be turned to praise</strong> </p>