A Big Vow

I have made big promises over the years. I learned a long time ago that God doesn’t require that I make a vow, but if I make one, I would be wise to keep it. I think the Lord listens to my promises. I don’t remember making big vows to the Lord, but I have made some daily commitments over the years. I have promised to follow the Lord all the days of my life. I didn’t put conditions on that promise. I’ve seen His faithfulness. I’ve seen His mercy. I’ve experienced His grace.

A young woman named Hannah was married to Elkanah. She couldn’t have children but she desperately wanted a child. Once when they made the annual trip to the temple she made a vow out of deep anguish. Check this out…

11 And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’

12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, ‘How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.’

15 ‘Not so, my lord,’ Hannah replied, ‘I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.’

17 Eli answered, ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.’ (I Samuel 1:11-17 NIV)

This was a big promise that Hannah made. She desperately cried out to God for a son. The Lord honored her prayer and gave her Samuel. When he was old enough to be weaned, she brought Samuel to the temple and kept her vow before God. In looking back on this story, it’s amazing to again see the hand of God orchestrating the next leader in Israel. Samuel was probably the most influential prophet and priest in Israel’s history. He ended up ordaining their first king – Saul, and their most influential king – David.

I am recently overwhelmed with thanksgiving for the health of my son, Luke who fell 40 feet from a tree and should have sustained major injuries. He’s home resting and recuperating from a busted mouth, broken nose and minor fractures in his back. I’ve been to the scene of his fall and thanked the Lord profoundly. I feel confident that the Lord has a plan for that young man. I believe the Lord will honor our commitment to adopt him into our family. I want to continue to honor God daily with my obedience and commitment.

Pressing On!

Dwayne