Judges 12 [The Message]

Jephthah was the commander of the Israelite army. He made a carnal agreement with God that he would sacrifice to God whatever came through his door upon his return from war IF God gave him a victory. Sadly, his beloved daughter came through the door to his lament He followed through with his vow. The cost was great … no doubt a grief he carried the rest of his life. Actually, the unwise vow never needed to be made.

Foxhole conversions and foxhole vows are probably never effective. It’s God’s grace (undeserved kindness and favor) alone that makes a difference in the way we live. Even our vows to God are really conditional upon how much grace He grants to us.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13]