Unbroken Promises

By O’Dena Ford 

There are people we place realistic expectations on, believing they will live up to their roles in our lives. Whether family members, friends, colleagues, business partners, or church affiliations, we often rely on them to acknowledge what they represent with care and consistency. 

But what happens when they don’t? 

Betrayal, disappointment, and rejection are among the pain we experience when our hearts were broken by those we admired, honored, respected, trusted, or depended on. These moments can shake our foundation, shift our perspective, and make us guarded. 

When hurt arises, we are faced with a choice. Do we allow it to turn into retaliation - expressed through anger, bitterness, pride, stubbornness, or resentment? Better yet, do we allow the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5 to direct our actions, reflecting the integrity of God’s character?

Which side we respond from when adversity arrives at our doorstep, reveals what leads our heart - pain or fruit.

I am a testimony of walking both paths.

It was a time when I chose to suppress what inflicted me, in an attempt to escape my grievance - giving concrete permission to set a stone of strife, around my emotions.

Unfairness hardened my heart, blinded my eyes, deafen my ears, clouded my mind, distressed my soul, and stifled my spirit. I sought comfort in what impersonated relief, but eventually led to my own demise.

I learned that ineffective methods never brings real freedom, they slowly imprison you.

The “yes” we give to God - to devote ourselves completely to live for Him, excludes the notion that any part of the agreement is about us. It is not conditional on how others behave, nor is it suspended during difficult seasons. Respectfully, regardless of what devastated us, we are still called to uphold our devotion to God. 

I had to rest in what God promised in Psalms 34:18 - “The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain, and He is always ready to restore the repentant one.”

My responsibility was not to lean on my own understanding, but to draw near to God, trust Him with all my heart, forgive those who wronged me, release my burdens in His hands, and let Him lead me daily in the right direction (Proverbs 3:5-6).

By casting aside the weight that threatened to hinder my journey, I am able to endure the testing of my faith and cross the finish line of my destiny (Hebrews 12:1-2). Through steadfast obedience and a sincere desire to please God according to His word, He healed what crushed me emotionally and restored me spiritually. God’s faithfulness uprooted, what had taken root in me. 

I encourage myself daily with this Truth: People will fail us, God never will (Hebrews 13:5).

Forgiveness and repentance does not weaken us nor dismiss our pain. It create space to strengthen us, to do all things through Christ, so that God is glorified (Philippians 4.13).

Take a moment to ask yourself: Where in my life am I holding onto what hurt me? Reflect on what the Bible says about surrendering burdens. Aligning with God’s plans, opens the door to receive restoration, just as I experienced (Jeremiah 29:11).

God has gifted us with a brand New Year. 

Step into the days 2026 holds with intention, pursuing what will prosper you. Anchor your hope in knowing that the Unbroken Promises of God, can truly heal and restore the painful matters that once caused your heart to break, completing you as you are made whole in Him. 

What was detrimental, does not have the final say and authority over your life, but God does! Be blessed and highly favored, as Mary was, the mother of Jesus, by believing what God has spoken will be fulfilled. This belief frees you to experience the fullness of His eternal goodness (Luke 1:45).

I pray that you will be grateful in thanking God for being a Promise-Keeper, remaining the same yesterday, today, and forever - never leaving you or forsaking you. May you dwell under His shadow as your refuge and fortress, empowered to walk confidently in His will and please Him in everything you do. In Jesus name, Amen. 

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