11 Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to theLord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” (1 Samuel 1:11 NKJ)

Be careful what you promise in prayer because God may take you up on it. Hannah so desperately wanted a child that she was willing to strike a bargain with God. God took her up on her promise, and to Hannah’s credit, she did her part, even though it was painful. Although we are not in a position to barter with God, He may still choose to answer a prayer that has an attached promise. When you pray, ask yourself: “Will I follow through on any promises I make to God if He grants my requests?” It is dishonest and dangerous to ignore a promise, especially to God. God keeps His promises, and He expects you to keep yours.