At the doctor’s office a while ago, my son and I sat in the waiting room reading. An older gentleman wanting to talk continued to interrupt us as we read. He told us about having to get his gallbladder out, that he was a farmer, and how hard it was to get his crops to grow this time of year. I have to admit it was a little aggravating. Then he said something that grabbed my attention. He asked my son, “Did you know Jesus was not just a man?” My son nodded. The man, “Yeah, He kept all His promises.” We nodded our heads in agreement, expecting something more, but that’s all he said.
We went back to reading and two more women came in, and after a short time of getting to know them, the old farmer asked the same question and said the same thing about the promises Jesus never broke. This time he went further with it and my son and I had a moment of enlightenment; we understood his point. The farmer continued, “A man will always let you down and most the time break his promises, but Jesus will never break one of His promises to you.” We all nodded our heads in agreement and I totally got what the old man meant by that.
For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20
In my lifetime many men and women alike have broken promises to me, and I suppose there were times I did the same. My expectations of others have led to disappointment and disappointment led to bitterness or anger.
Until… God taught me that He is my expectation, my promise keeper, the lover of my heart and soul. Yes He has given me wonderful people in my life to bring help, comfort, conditional love, and support, but He is my faithful Father Who will never fail me.
When you and I really take hold of this truth, we can be released of so much anger, bitterness, resentment and disappointment because our expectations will be realistic, not over the top. People are people, not God, and we have limitations.
Should we have some expectations and trust in others? I believe there should be trust within a relationship. When I make a promise to you, I should keep it but life happens, I get selfish, or sick or angry and I may fail to keep my promise. I have let you down and a vicious cycle begins.
Keep your expectations realistic. When a promise is broken hold the person accountable, let them know how you feel about it; mend the tear and try to go on with the understanding that this cannot be an ongoing thing. By taking these actions, you may be able prevent damage to the relationship. Just knowing Man is not perfect might prepare the way.
Let me just say this also, too many promises broken may be a sign that this relationship may be more harmful to your well being than it is good.
Always know, always remember ~ let this be your hope when “a man”, as the old farmer said, “doesn’t keep his promises” ~ great is God’s faithfulness!
The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV