The word you gave

My son, my daughter, you made a promise, to me or to someone else, in a moment of faith or commitment, and now that it costs more than you imagined, the urge to back out has grown strong. Keeping your word when the price has gone up is one of the quietest tests of character there is.

I value those who follow through on what they promised even when it hurts, even when it would be easier and cheaper to turn back. This doesn't mean keeping promises that put you in danger or lead you into sin; it means not using difficulty as an excuse to stop being a person of integrity when you're fully able to follow through.

Look at the promise weighing on you today. If it's good, if it's just, I will give you the strength to keep it to the end, even at a cost. If it needs to be revisited with wisdom, do that honestly, not through a quiet retreat. I am faithful to my promises, and I want to shape you the same way.