Another “Life Practice” I’d like to share with you is on making promises. William Shakespeare once said that “words are easy” and he’s right. I think most of us share a lot, say too much and find ourselves making promises that we do not even remember. What I learned about making promises is that the words we utter have creative powers. Everything God created, He used words to call them into existence. That’s why your words can make or break your life. When we speak, the physical and the spirit realm bears witness and they use those words to create the reality of what you said.
I remember making a pledge to my church in 2023 and someone else needed the help urgently of the same amount that I had pledged to the church. I thought to myself, well, it’s the same thing, isn’t it? Helping a fellow human with what I had promised God that I will give to the church. No, it’s not the same. I learned a tough lesson and had to go back to redeem myself this year. Do you know that as soon as I honored my promise, God actually blessed me with a gift Four (4) times the one I gave? I intend to fulfill it monthly. I also learned to not exchange or replace my promises or use it for something else even if it is well meaning.
The same is true of ANY and EVERY promise you utter to someone. The heavens bear witness as soon as these promises are uttered and I can assure you that there are consequences if you break the promises. I’m sharing from experience and from learning the hard way so you don’t have to. When Jesus said in Matthew 5:37 KJV that “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”, it’s exactly what it is. In order words, say what you mean and mean what you say – do what you said you will do. If you can’t walk the talk, then don’t talk at all. (literal translation).
I’ve become mindful of what I say and the promises I make – I only promise what I can deliver – not wishing on stars. Even when I can deliver over and above what I promised, I keep it simple and then over deliver on the promise. BUT, if you make a promise, and you have the ability to deliver and you don’t, please note that the people and heavens that bore witness will judge against you. If you’ve never read this scripture below, please take it to heart from today onwards:
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NIV
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
I pray for you this week that the Lord will enable you to fulfill every promise you have made to Him and to people. AMEN.
XOXO,
Lady Abena.