Lets Check Our Mindset | Why your Mindset matters (Hannah vs Jepthath)

A mindset is more than just a state of mind, it’s the foundation for how we navigate life, make decisions, and honour God. The right mindset can shape our prayers, our promises, and our trust in God, while a misaligned mindset can lead us down the wrong path.

In the Bible, we encounter two powerful stories, Hannah and Jephthah. Both made vows to God, yet their journeys took very different turns. Why? Because their mindsets shaped the way they honoured God.

Hannah’s mindset was rooted in trust, leading to blessings and fulfilment.
Jephthah’s mindset was born out of fear and desperation, which ultimately led to heartbreak.

Let’s explore why.

When Honour Begins with Trust: Hannah’s Story

Hannah’s story starts in deep pain. She longs for a child, but month after month, there’s no answer. On top of that, she’s mocked and misunderstood, even by her husband and the priest.

But instead of shutting down, she turns to God. Not with bitterness, but with surrender.

“Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me… then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.” (1 Samuel 1:11)

This wasn’t a deal. It was trust.
She wasn’t bargaining, she was aligning her deepest desire with God’s purpose. And when God gave her Samuel, she honoured her promise. She brought him to the temple and gave him back to God.

And the fruit? Samuel became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. And God gave Hannah more children.

When Fear Dresses Up as Faith: Jephthah’s Story

Now, compare that with Jephthah.
In Judges 11, he’s about to lead Israel into battle. Instead of trusting God’s promise of victory, he panics. He says:

“If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me... will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it.” (Judges 11:30–31)

And who comes out the door?

His daughter.

This is one of the hardest stories in the Bible.
But here’s what we must understand. God never asked for that vow.
In fact, Deuteronomy 12:31 is crystal clear: God detests human sacrifice.

Jephthah wasn’t honouring God. He was trying to control Him.
His vow came not from trust, but from fear. From anxiety. From the cultural mindset around him, not the heart of God.

3 Lessons on Honouring God

1. True Honour Starts With Knowing Who God Is

Hannah’s prayer came from knowing God’s heart, she believed she was already seen.

Jephthah treated God like a transaction. Give to get. Perform to please.

Ask yourself: Am I trying to honour God, or win Him over?

2. The Posture of the Promise Matters

Both made vows.
But Hannah’s was rooted in surrender.
Jephthah’s was rooted in desperation.

It’s not just what we do for God, it’s why we do it.

Ask yourself: Is my obedience flowing from trust, or from pressure?

3. God Doesn’t Want Deals, He Wants Surrender

Jephthah’s tragedy reminds us: God is not impressed by our sacrifices.
He’s moved by our trust.
He doesn’t need our bargains. He desires our hearts.

Ask yourself: Where am I bargaining with God when He’s just asking me to believe He’s already for me?

When Scripture Reads You

These stories might feel worlds apart from our lives today. But don’t we often do the same?

“I’ll serve more once I get that promotion.”
“If you bring me a spouse, I’ll honour You better.”
“If You just get me through this season…”

But God isn’t a transaction. He’s a Father. And He’s already chosen you.

The difference between Hannah and Jephthah wasn’t their promise, it was their posture.

A Moment to Reflect

So, I’ll leave you with this question:

What’s one mindset you want to shift this week, from fear to trust, from striving to surrender?
Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you.

And if this reflection speaks to you, share it with someone who needs the reminder:
God doesn’t want your deals.
He just wants you.