Just because we have things that others do not have does not necessarily make us better than they are. Just because my blessing got here before that of the other person does not give me the right to discourage him/her. Just because I got blessed before them does not make me any better before God. Ishmael was born before Isaac but Isaac was God’s chosen son of promise. Absalom came before Solomon but Solomon was chosen to be King and not Absalom. Leah had children with Jacob before her sister Rachael but Rachael’s children were Jacob’s favorites. God chose Jacob over Esau. He chose David who was the youngest over all his elder brothers. God does not see the way man sees. When we think we are favored, we fool ourselves in the eyes of God. Peninnah might boast now but tomorrow is Hannah’s day because God will give her a Samuel!
God can change your situation with just one blessing. People can say all they want. Let them go ahead and gossip about you. As a matter of fact, they are free to make jest of you. Let them be scornful and spiteful in every way possible. Just one blessing from God to you is enough to put an end to all unfavorable comments! They fight you because they do not know the God you serve. They mistreat you because they do not know whose you are.
You are God’s baby; you are more than special; you are God’s treasure; you are beautifully and wonderfully made; you are God’s substance; you have a destiny; you are not a happenstance; your blessing will surely come; wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
“…And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable.” Sometimes people do things in order to make you miserable and lose hope. They are commissioned agents of the Devil whose mission is to destroy you. I come to tell you that they are wrong.
Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and whither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell on the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday (Psalm 37:1-6).

When you are dealing with wicked people do not fret. When you come face to face with nefarious or dangerous people, do not be afraid. When people become envious of you and plot against you, do not be fearful. God knows how to deal with iniquity. He has a plan for your deliverance. Lay all your trust on God. Sometimes the devil will provoke you to react and do something you will live to regret. Do not fall for his trap. Be consistent in doing good. Be constant at God’s altar of prayer. Be focused and God will favor you this year.