We live in an age filled with promises on top of promises on top of even more promises. When it comes to promises, the only thing that I know is that there is no chance all the promises on the table will come true. It is impossible! Some of the promises conflict with other promises. Some are conditional. Some are founded on premises that have yet to be proven true. There are even some promises that the promise makers do not think will be real.
Whatever one might think about promises, I would suggest that one should take the following ideas with you when considering promises.
Promises depend on people. There are a few exceptions, however the potential of promises rests in the choices that people make. Many are unaware that the promise depends on them. Regardless of one’s awareness, there are promises with a link to our lives.
Promises can be conditional. Conditions can come from assumptions, dependencies, and other events or promises that come before.
Promises can statements of wishes and dreams. While they are promises, the underlying logic may require power, additional input, and even authority before they can move into the realm of the possible.
I often accept promises blindly, even from God. As I struggle with fulfilled and apparently broken promises, I find myself right in the middle of many. I assumed I was not part of the promise – yet I am. I thought that my response did not matter – it does. I even took the promise as a guaranteed gift – they rarely are. In one case, I found that God “accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on.” (Acts 13.38) In others, I now see that you and I are active participants.
Will every promise come true today? It is unlikely. I do know that the promise of compassion, community, and unconditional consideration can find their birth through our embrace. We can touch those around us and fulfill the promise. We can listen in ways that fulfills the promise.
