Making a vow is so easy for many people across the world but keeping the vows seems to be quite difficult. Every year, thousands, if not millions of people vow to be with each other in marriage. The marital vow differs in cultures and religions but the bond is the same. However, divorce cases are always on the rise. It is either one person or both couples are unable to stick to the vows they made and as such causes the marital union to break. It is very important for people to understand the weight of the vows they make. Politicians vow in most nations to take care of the citizens yet, nepotism, corruption, bribery and other social vices are on the rise in government circles. Doctors, lawyers among many other professions vow before they begin their careers but the vows are barely taken seriously in most cases. If it is difficult to keep our words, then it is not easy to make vows and promises. As we continue our study on Hannah, we are reminded that Hannah prayed to God for a son and made a vow before the Lord 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.” (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Hannah’s desire was to have a son and her commitment was to return that son back to the Lord. After their activities at Shiloh were over, the family prepared to return home. “Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.” (1 Samuel 1:19). When they arrived in their home, Hannah and Elkanah did the needful as a couple. Hannah believed God will give a son and so her faith was translated into action. The Lord remembered Hannah this time. As a couple, they might have spent several intimate moments together, but this time was different. Hannah was expectant. She had made a vow. God honoured Hannah’s request by remembering her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” (1 Samuel 1:20) Sometimes the same routine is what God uses to glorify His name. When we are in expectation, we should put our faith in action. Imagine if Hannah had refused to have intimacy with her husband because she was expecting God to give her a son? The only son born without intimacy was Jesus Christ. Hannah understood that God will use what she has to bring her miracle. “So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” (1 Samuel 1:20). The Lord came through for Hannah. Her deep anguish suddenly became her big testimony. She would have rejoiced in the Lord. Her Samuel was born. The vow she made came alive. What a joy! Hannah’s heartfelt prayer and the answer to her prayer should remind us that God is a prayer answering God. Is there anything too hard for Him? Hannah’s deepest pains were turned around because of an encounter with the Lord. Another lesson we learn from this story is that it is possible for good people to go through a circle of issues but the choice to stay in the bad situation is a decision they have to make. Hannah had a choice to cry and be pitiful about her condition. But, she made a choice to present her case before the Lord. Hannah could have just asked for a son, but she gave God enough reasons to release her son. When we pray, we should back our prayers with scriptures. God’s words are filled with lots of promises. We must hold on to God by His words. Hannah’s first attempt to fulfill her vow, is the name she gave to her son. God heard Hannah’s prayer and the child was named “Samuel”. Hannah’s prayer reminds us that God definitely hears what we say to Him. Today, go to Him and tell Him what you need. Remember, put God to task based on His word. Don’t just babble words, know what the scripture says about your situation. Then, go and do the needful. God will definitely come through for you.
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