We have all experienced disappointment in our lives at one point or another. Maybe you are currently experiencing disappointment. Do you ever find yourself asking why me, why now? Or if I could only catch a break? These are all common things we say in the midst of disappointment. I wonder how well we handle disappointment. Are we quick to complain and lament our current circumstances? Do we blame God for the disappointments we face or even other people?
Recently, I have been challenged by my pastor to look at disappointment in a new way. It is so easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged when we face disappointment. I began looking up what God had to say about disappointment, trials and suffering. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul tells us, “not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” This seems like such a foreign concept. I do not know many people who rejoice in their sufferings or disappointments. It is so much easier to complain and be upset about disappointments and suffering than it is to rejoice. Paul tells what we gain though by doing this; we produce endurance, character and hope. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
If we allow God to use our disappointments and make them His Appointments, we have so much to gain. I love the story of Joseph because I believe it illustrates a beautiful picture of disappointment turned into God’s appointment. In Genesis 50:20 Joseph said to his brothers, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done. I have learned the key to our disappointments is to pray hard and wait patiently. I believe Joseph did both of those. He did not understand his circumstances, but he trusted in God.
I know in my own life there have been so many disappointments, so many times I have asked why and simply not understood. If I’m being honest, I definitely was not rejoicing, praying hard or waiting patiently in those times. I have come to know and believe that God does His best work when we are at our most broken. He will work everything for our good and His glory. I came across a quote by Eliza Tabor the other day. She said, “Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.” I think this describes disappointment so well. It absolutely does not feel good when we experience it, but I do believe it makes us stronger. Sometimes we have to experience the fire in order to be molded and shaped into something beautiful. God will never waste a hurt and there is always a purpose behind it. I am so thankful to be loved by a God who will not leave me where I am and allows me to experience trials and suffering because of what it will produce inside of me.
Radiant Hope 