I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. (1Samuel.1.27 -28 NIV)
Most pronounced in the old testament but also done in the new testament, men made vows to God to show their devotion to God.
For example Jacob vowed to give a tenth of his possessions to God if He would protect him on his journey and provide for him, Jephthah vowed to sacrifice the first thing to come out of his house upon his return if God gave him victory over the Ammonites.
Hannah was not an exception when she promised the Lord that if she were given a son, she would give him to the Lord for his life.
In the new testament we see less of this done for example Paul also vowed to get his hair cut.
Because of the seriousness and power of vows with God, the Bible warns against making rush vows to God or even delaying to fulfill them. [Eccl 5, Matt 5.37, James 5.12]
God honors vows, that is why none of the people who made vows failed to receive what they asked for from God, but also some, like Samson died before their time because of breaking them.
In times of gratitude, desperation, or desire to show devotion to God, our hearts may be moved to make vows to God. But like Hannah who took the child just after weaning to God, we too should be quick in fulfilling them if we do.
The story of Hannah does not only teach us to pray and make vows, it teaches us to fulfill them readily.
Some people no longer understand their lives because of what they are going through. Their lives, families, education and businesses are chaotic every now and then.
Maybe among other things, you need to make an audit of your walk with God and the prayers you made if there be any vow that you have forgotten.
To God, obedience to one's word is more important than making the vow. It is the natural of God to keep His word [Psalm 138.2]. As children of God, it is expected of us that we stay faithful to anything that we commit ourselves to.
Hallelujah!
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