I Samuel 1:11
“Then she made a vow: Oh, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, If you’ll take a good, hard look at my pain, If you’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me By giving me a son, I’ll give him completely, unreservedly to you. I’ll set him apart for a life of holy discipline.”
“And she made this vow “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”
There had been much going on in Hannah for quite a while. This kind of vow took some inner wrestling. God gives powerful instincts to mothers. Imagine all the work that goes into raising a child and the bonding that occurs. Hannah had fought through these and had already given up the child she longed for before she asked. It would have been so easy to talk herself out of her commitment during Samuel’s infancy and toddlerhood. But Hannah believed and feared God. Therefore, her vow was binding. She shows us the wisdom of working though potential consequences before taking a request to God. If we believe he can move mountains for us he must have our obedience in whatever follows.
Lord, you know my weaknesses. I don’t think I can do as Hannah when I think of asking for your help in overcoming them. Please change me to willingness to do and be whatever it takes.