The Promise

story by: lisa petrarca

"I Promise," no sooner had the words come out of his mouth than he realized he had no way of keeping it. How could he? It was out of his control, but what else could he say to the pleading child.

The boy had brought his dog to the shelter. His family had lost their home and could no longer keep their beloved family pet. With tears streaming down his face, the young boy clung to his dog, his best friend. Looking up at the man he begged him, "Please find him a good home, please don't let my Jack die, promise me," he stammered through sobs.

Jack was a small, mangy, mutt, a dog that he was quite certain no one would adopt and yet, he couldn't help but promise the hurting child.

The child's parents pried his hands away and said, "This man promised...he'll find him a home where a new family can love and be loved by little Jack."

The weeks passed by, no matter how hard he tried to push people to adopt little Jack, there he sat, lonely, sad and just days away from being put to sleep. The man was filled with remorse, knowing that he would have to break his promise.

After a sleepless night, he went into work early in the morning, before his scheduled time and told his manager, "I'm going to adopt Jack." "What, that ugly little dog? Why?" his manger replied. His answer was simple, "Because of a promise."

We often make promises and just as often realize that we can't keep them, forget to keep them or simply have no desire to keep them. A promise to men is often just meaningless words.

The Lord however has given us promises we can trust. Promises of hope, faith, love, healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings. He is faithful to His promises. You never have to doubt whether He will keep them. His promises are written in His word. They have been shared throughout history and proven time and time again. His greatest promise fulfilled through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Heavenly Fathers promises are in His timing, in His divine way. A promise that we can be sure is ultimately the best thing for us once it's received, even though it sometimes may not look exactly as we planned or hoped for.

Today, as you read the Bible and look for the Lords re-affirming love, know that He hears your prayers and is faithful to HIS promises!

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23

"Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."
Romans 4:21

"For physical training is of some value, but Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:8

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Acts 2:38-39