Many times here in Kenya we are told something will occur only to have that “something” not be true or done.  Let me give you some examples, and believe me this is a very, very short list from a looooooong list of instances:

We are told someone will bring material for a construction project but that person doesn’t show up when they say and even after repeated calls material still isn’t delivered.

A student tells us they are doing well in school only to find on the next report card they are failing in a couple classes.

A young adult is told to go through a particular process in order to get a job, this person tells us they are doing that but then we find out it was never done.

I want to believe people, I want to trust people, I want to rely on people but time after time I’m either stabbed in the back, the rug is pulled out from under me or the other shoe drops…sorry for all the idioms but those are definitely ways to describe what I’m feeling.

Those times have taught me some hard lessons on how to move forward in this world and I take what Jesus said to heart:

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.  John 14:11 (emphasis added)

Words can be said but if no “evidence of the works” is apparent then are the words honesty or simply deception?  There are times when I have said something and then either not wanted to follow through or something came up….but my word can only be trusted if it is followed by action, so I do what I say.

People will continue to lie, cheat…basically evil will continue but I must remember I am also a sinner,

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15

and cannot throw the first stone.  I do however look at Luke 4 (v 14-30) when Jesus gave them His message of grace yet they rejected Him so He “went on his way”.

Unfortunately not everyone will accept His saving grace and not everyone will do as they say, so in some cases it is time we went on our way.  Lord I pray for your wisdom and discernment when we are walking through these scenarios, which means this is a daily prayer!