Day 2

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAITHFULNESS

"And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord" 1 Sam. 3:20.

Back in 1505 another young man made a vow to God. He was trudging his way towards the town of Erfurt in Germany when he found himself in the middle of a freak storm. A bolt of lightning threw him to the ground. In terror he shouted to God in the only way he knew, "Saint Anne help me, I will become a monk"! To us the prayer seems all wrong and we may even think it presumptuous but God heard it and saved his life.

Martin Luther was a monk for only a short time, for although he remained a faithful Catholic through him God broke the hold of the medieval church on the hearts and minds of people. Through Luther's efforts Protestantism was born bringing with it a true understanding of righteousness by faith (Gal. 3:10,11), what Jesus has really done for each of us.

Was Hannah right to make such a promise to God? Do you think God answered her prayer? If so did his answer have anything to do with her vow?

Read the stories of two other vows made to God; Jephthah in Judges 11 and Saul in 1 Sam. 14. How did these vows differ from the one Hannah made?

What do we have to do to be sure God will answer our prayers? Read Jesus' words in Luke 11:5-12.

Dear Lord, whatever work you have for me, help me to be ready to see the opportunity and willing to shoulder the responsibility.