Why is it so hard for people to keep their promises? Did you ever run into anyone who promised you the world and then gave you absolutely nothing? I can't tell you how many people have promised me things, and then *poof* they vanish like the fairy godmother in Cinderella.

"I'll design a new website."

"I'll help you with anything you need, just ask."

"I'll support your ministry."

It's become a very sad pattern and sometimes, the disappointment is hard. I try not to promise people things unless I intend to follow through--so it's been one of the toughest things for me in ministry when some people do not.

I say to the Lord, "Not again!" and "Why?"

I tell myself, "Maybe something overwhelming came along," or "Maybe they'll still come through." But nothing changes.

I don't understand this--maybe I'm just naive--but I was always taught to keep my promises. I think that as Christians our word should be our bond; it should mean something because it hurts people when it doesn't mean anything.

In a world where so few people are trustworthy and reliable, I believe a Christian should be right out in front saying, "You can count on me."

But all too often, it doesn't happen that way.

There is good news, though, in the midst of all this gloom; God provides a rainbow--made up of all the special people who do keep their promises. The wonderfully kind people who write to encourage me; the incredibly generous people who give faithfully month after month--even when it's a sacrifice for them; the tenderhearted people who say and do the most thoughtful things--all of them mean so much to me. They remind me that our work isn't in vain . . . lives have been changed for the glory of God.

And so, in the midst of disappointment, God brings encouragement and hope. Some people may let you down, but others will come alongside and love you.