There is a land, a fertile land, it’s the land between expectation and reality and it is in this land that disappointment thrives. We have all been there, expectations that are not met, promises that are not fulfilled, appointments that are not kept or prayers that we feel are unanswered. Some of us pass through but a good number make this land a dwelling place.
After graduation, you were so sure you would get a great job but it’s been years and you are still jobless. You did your best but you still failed in the exam. You thought that by now you would be married but you are still single. Your have given your all to your marriage but your spouse still cheated on you. You promised yourself that you will remain pure till you get married, but here you are, pregnant out of wedlock.
Here is the thing, disappointment given the chance can lead to despair and depression. It will isolate you and spin you into a pity party and cause you to lose focus. It will kill your faith. One thing is certain, for disappointment to thrive, hope has to die. In the same thread keeping hope alive kills disappointment.
Tragedy and pain are disorienting. We don’t want to experience either, yet life keeps bringing them on. No one escapes the struggles of life. Our goodness or our faith does not make us immune from suffering. God never promised that life would be without its painful moments. He said he will be with us no matter what we face. Why do you think Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose – was included in the bible? You might say, “It’s just a verse like any other.” Then I’ll tell you, ‘No. Give it a thought dear one.’
No matter what we go through, God reassures us that we are not alone. He is right there with us and we don’t have to despair. As bleak as the situation looks, it will work out for our good.
Have you ever gone through some painful moments and wondered why God let it happen to you? In most cases, these painful moments end up being the most treasured moments of our lives and in some strange way, they make us more intimate with God.
To overcome disappointment, forgiveness has to take place. You have to forgive those you feel have let you down. Think about Joseph he had enough opportunities to drown in disappointment but he did not. He guarded his heart and he did not give unforgiveness a root in his heart. The other thing Joseph did is he shifted his focus. He did not dwell on the circumstances he found himself in, he focused on God and that was the driving force in his life.
When you find yourself in a maze, shift your focus from your circumstances and focus on God. Once your perspective changes your attitude does the same thing. Remind yourself of the promises of God which are plenty. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Keep prayer alive it connects you to God, it is the lifeline that keeps hope alive and makes life meaningful.
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