A Necessary Irritant.

Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 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. (1 Samuel 1:6-7)

One of the definitions for irritate is; to provoke impatience.

Generally speaking, patience is a good thing. It is one of the qualities every believer should posses. But I often think, "Are we too patient when it comes to destiny and purpose?" In other words, has life lulled us into spiritual comatose?

I found it very intriguing that the irritation of Hannah's rival provoked the opening of her womb! As I look back over my life, I found many similar occasions. This leads me to believe that often times when God is ready to see the manifestation of fruit in our lives, He will allow people, places and things to provoke a spiritual impatience for change.

Had it not been for Hannah's irritation, who knows if she ever desperately desires to give birth to a son. If not for her rival, she may have been content with her life. But that's just it.... God never called Hannah to her life... He has called her to live the life He envisioned for her! Hannah was ordained before the foundation of the earth to carry in her womb the Prophet Samuel! Regardless of how wonderfully she lives, a life void of giving birth to Samuel is a life out of the will of God!

Are you spiritually comatose...? What have you been ordained to give birth to? Is there currently a thorn in your flesh designed to provoke the opening of your womb?

My prayer for you today; May the Lord use every irritant possible to provoke you into purpose!