Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD.”
Hannah made a vow to God that if God would give her a son, she will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head. [1 Samuel 1:11]. God answered her prayer for a child and gave her a son. Hannah kept her promise and dedicated her son to the service of God. Eli the priest prayed that God will give Hannah and her husband more children from her because she kept her promise. The bible records that Hannah, who was once classified as a barren woman, gave birth to three sons and two daughters.
There are times when we find ourselves making vows or promises to God. Sometimes it could be habits or addictions we want to stop. Sometimes it could be sin we are fighting to overcome. We find ourselves still going back to do those things we promised we would not do. Your loving Father knows that with sin and addictions, we as humans cannot overcome it on our own hence He sent His Son to die for our sins and restore us the rights we have as children of God. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily walk with Him. Though our Father is gracious and loving, it is not His will that we take the grace of God for granted.
But there are promises we make to God that are within our control. For instance, you may promise God that you will sow all of your first salary if He gives you a job. Or you may promise to sow a seed once you get the breakthrough you have been waiting for. Today's verse of scripture reminds us of the blessings that come with keeping our promises. It is better you did not make the promise than you did and do not keep it. Your loving Father is faithful and can do much more than you can ask or think. If you make a promise to Him, keep it. See if He will not bless you much more than you could imagine.
Prayer: My Loving Father, You are the one who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I can ask or think. You are faithful to Your promises. Father, I am sorry for times I have made promises to You and did not keep them. I pray that as Your child, made in Your image, if You put a need in my heart and if I make a promise to You, I will be faithful to keep my promise. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 17 2010 - Psalms 91-92 (OT), Mark 3 (NT)
God’s Love and Mine…
