Yes, many of us resort to God when everything in life seems to be falling apart—when even those we thought were friends and considered family, have deserted us. Even when our phones are no longer ringing, literally when everyone is avoiding us, and our life feels like it has hit the wall. That’s when we sit back with a contrite heart and broken spirit and consider that maybe God will help us out. Only a few really recall God when life seems to be going well for them! That’s perhaps just human character.
In those desperate moments, we don’t just ask God for strength—we beg Him for miracles, financial breakthroughs, secure jobs, spouses, and more. We even make bold vows and promises to Him. How desperately we long to be religious in those dark times!
But what happens after God answers your prayers?
How many of you remain in that contrite state and with the humble mindset even after being exalted a little?
This is not meant to be a guilt trip, yet we must be honest: after God answers our prayers, many of us slowly drift from gratitude into treachery. The same God we begged and willingly obeyed becomes the One we casually disobey once He rescues us from the pit. We slip back into the very sins that destroyed us in the first place.
Falling back into old life is sin in itself, but what most Christians fail to realise is that they did even worse by failing to keep the promises they made while desperate. Even the wisest man approved this in Ecclesiastes 5:4-6:
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?
Solomon is clear: it is better not to vow at all than to vow and fail to keep it. God, who knows the exact number of hairs on your head, is fully aware of whether you fulfilled what you promised Him in secret. Breaking that vow puts at risk everything He just restored.
There is no more distressing feeling than being exalted and then brought low once again. Or shall I say, there is nothing as tormenting as becoming broke when you were once the person everyone knew was rich.
How bad would it be for you if you expect God to hold up His end of the bargain but your part is forfeited? Can you call that a successful agreement?
Surely the disrespected party will ensure it gains justice against the other (you) if they fail to fulfil their side of the agreement.
I shall reframe and ask: ‘Are you doing all that you promised God you would do if He answered your prayers?’
If it were you, and you made an agreement with your partner—“You do X and I will do Y”—but upon doing your part, you realise your partner not only lied but has gone on to do things that hurt you and still comes smiling to you as if nothing is wrong… what would you do in that scenario?
God is a person, not a character. When you consider Him, don’t assume that He will just let you go unchecked while you continuously disobey His will and lie to His face.
If you are the person I am talking about, there is no need to get scared. It’s time to repent and go back to the secret place. Consider in your heart what you promised to do and do it wholeheartedly.
