One of the most challenging things in life is when we face disappointment. Unfortunately life does not always turn out the way we want. When confronted with disappointment, how we face it determines how we will overcome it. Some people become ostriches and just bury their heads in the ground. Some people become martyrs and challenge it full on. Some people bottle it all up, only to find that it becomes like a cancer and eventually erupts in some form, mostly manifesting in the physical body. Whatever approach we take, disappointment is part and parcel of life.
I have learnt the hard way that we cannot ignore disappointment. It has to be dealt with. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious problems. So what do we do when we are facing disappointment? Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I look at the word ‘all’ and realize that it is all-inclusive, good things and the bad things alike. So I ask myself ‘how can bad things work out for good?’ Then I realize that the key to this verse lies in the word ‘purpose’.
I always maintain that we are put on this earth for a time and a purpose. When I had my career burnout I cried to God in anguish as my world crumbled. I asked Him, ’what is my purpose here?’ All that I had studied so hard for and worked so hard to attain simply slipped through my hands like sand falling through an hour glass. At first I felt I could deal with disappointment and I took the martyr approach. But we are not invincible and I soon realized that when I became very ill.
So how do we deal with disappointment? I found that in my own strength I could not deal with my challenges. I needed a strong tower to lean on. I needed to gather extra resources to face the challenges of in my life. I found that source of help in Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV) which says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” So I called on the Lord to help me with my disappointments.
When we look to God for help, He takes all things that we are facing and works it for our good. In our human understanding, we think that it is impossible because how can we regain what is lost. It seemed like I had lost everything when I lost even my memory. At that time I could not see how all things, good and bad alike, could work together for good according to God’s purposes. So I said, ‘Yes Lord, I love You. I trust You and believe Your Word. I am just going to leave my situation with You.’
You will be astounded, like I was, to realize how something good can come out of a very bad situation. Here I am, writing this article, fully restored! How? Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) says, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways’ says the Lord.” So expect something miraculous to come out of your bad situation. For those deep disappointments you are facing, fully rely on God to take care of it for you. I did and see what the Lord has done for me! ◊
Linda Pearl
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