The Folly of Bargaining with God
“It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” – Ecclesiastes 5:5
Jephthah’s vow reminds us of the danger of trying to secure God’s favor by bargaining with Him. Though clothed in sincerity, his vow was unnecessary and even destructive. God is not persuaded by our attempts to manipulate Him; *He is moved by faith, obedience, and a humble heart.*
The Spirit of God had already come upon Jephthah (Judges 11:29), yet in a moment of fear or insecurity, he still tried to add human strength to divine assurance. This teaches us that even Spirit-filled believers are not immune to foolishness when they lean on their own understanding. The Spirit guides, but never forces. When we ignore His quiet counsel and rush to rely on our own strategies, we risk walking into avoidable regret.
True faith does not make bargains with God; it rests on His character. His deliverance flows not because we twist His hand with promises, but because His nature is love and His covenant is sure. Whenever we feel tempted to strike deals with God—“If You do this, then I will do that”—we must pause and remember: God owes us nothing, yet He delights to give us everything in Christ.
Align yourself with God’s will, and you will never need to negotiate His favor. His help cannot be bought, but it can be trusted. *A surrendered life is far stronger than a desperate vow.*
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin