Jaylynn, I know how hard it is to wait, but if the person told you verbally that they will have it in by the deadline, trust that they will do it. How long until the deadline? Also, if it is a professor, just remember that they are busy marking exams/essays right now. That doesn't mean that they've 'forgotten' about the reference, it just means that it isn't their top priority right now.
Hang in there, the person will do it