Faith that keeps Vows

1 Samuel 26-28
26 And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be [j]lent to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.

Hannah had been longing for a child for many years. All this time as she cried to the Lord for one, her co wife Peninah took pleasure in mocking her and making her life all the more miserable, constantly reminding her that she was barren.
God finally remembered her and Hannah gave birth to a son. In the process of praying for this child, Hannah had made a vow to the Lord;

1 Samuel 1:11
11 Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”

If you were Hannah would you have been willing to let go of this child? Remember how long she had waited and cried in anguish for this child. Remember all the mockery she endured from Peninnah. Besides, there was no guarantee that she would get other children if she did let go of this one.
How do you let go of the very thing that you have been believing for once you have it in your hands?
Well Hannah had made a vow to the Lord and she was faithful to honor it, she presented the young child to the Lord and gave him up.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;
For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—
5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

After this, God blessed Hannah with 3 sons and 2 daughters!

Reflective Thoughts
How quick are you to release to God what he asks from you?
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In the desperation of prayer, do you make a vow to God and do you keep your vows?
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Hannah gave up one child and God blessed her with 5 more! What does that tell you about God?
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