Let PROVOCATION Push You to Greatness!

"Am I not better to you than ten sons?"—Elkanah asked his wife, Hannah.

The first time I saw "PROVOCATION" in a positive light was while listening to T.D. Jakes break down the story of Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah.

As recorded in 1 Samuel 1, Peninnah had children, but Hannah’s womb was closed by God. Yet, Elkanah loved Hannah so deeply that he doubled her portion, perhaps to prove his love. But no matter what he gave her, Hannah remained unfulfilled. She longed for a child of her own.

Elkanah, puzzled, asked if he wasn’t worth more than ten sons. But Hannah knew better—her co-wife had both companionship and the gift of bearing children. Why should she settle for just one? And when Peninnah taunted her, it provoked Hannah, not to despair, but to action.

Hannah’s desperation led her to the temple, where even the prophet mistook her silent prayers for drunkenness. Yet, God answered her with Samuel, a son so great that he outshone anything Peninnah had.

Now, looking back at the first quarter of 2025, I ask myself: Have I truly maximized my time? The same 24 hours, the same 30 days—why have others thrived while I’ve hesitated?

Instead of envy, why not let the success of others provoke you to push harder, dream bigger, and do better?

Let’s make April a month of action.

Let PROVOCATION drive you to greatness.

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