Overcoming Disappointments

The “unexpected” or disappointments seems to be the theme the last few years. What else could go wrong in my life you may be asking? As we have heard before, when it rains it pours. However, for some the flooding or the bleeding has not stopped. The sickness your facing is not getting any better, but worse. The bills keep piling up and there is no end in sight. If its not one thing it’s another. Some people haven’t recovered from the covid pandemic from 2020, while others are getting laid off from work or forced out with an early retirement. Perhaps a chronic health issue or a recent loss of a loved one has now rocked your world. You may feel empty, rejected, or even bitter why you are facing these issues. But know that you are not alone.

The Israelites experienced God’s deliverance through the Red Sea only to complain against Moses for wandering in the desert being hungry and thirsty. They found no water for three days (see Exodus 15).

“Disappointment hits us one way or another if these feelings are fed, they grow until they strangle our spiritual lives”. Erwin Lutzer

Why do we get disappointed? We have the wrong perspective. We are looking at the situation and not keeping our focus on God. Little did Israel realize God was putting them to the test. They were bitterly disappointed just like the waters at Marah were bitter.

There are believers struggling and some are turning bitter maybe even getting angry at God or others because plans have gone sour.

You may be giving up on the Lord and forgot to realize that you are being tested. Your faith has turned to doubt and you see no miracles in sight.

Others have their hopes focused on a person, leader, politician, or even the government for that matter. Some are bitter because their candidate lost. Did you ever think God allows defeat and tests for a reason and purpose in your life? Nobody has a “tap” or inside scoop on Almighty God!

God says, to trust Him and not man. People may disappoint and fail us but Jesus the Lord never fails.

Our disappointments will define us for better or worse and God sees our hearts and what we are really made of. God reminds us that there may be sin or idols in our lives which have become disappointments. The things of this world eventually fade away and we can get disillusioned or even unhappy. God shakes us and strips us of idols to get our attention. Is God really your all? Does He have meaning, value, substance in your heart or do you use Him only when you need Him.

It is only when you discover that you have nothing left, but God, that you realize God is enough. His love and mercy is always chasing you down to be with you in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Even though it may be difficult, God has a purpose in the disappointments.

Disappointments can become our opportunity. Putting our faith in God can move mountains, uncertainty, and create miracles of the unexpected.

There are times when life’s disappointments become God’s opportunity to do a miracle. He fed the 5000 with five loaves and two fishes. Jesus calmed the storm in the sea. Jesus wept, and comforts the brokenhearted.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Psalms 34:18-19 NLT

What may be impossible with you is possible with God. Even when it doesn’t go your way. Trust the Lord my friend and allow God’s peace and assurance to calm you today. The desert is only as dry as we allow it, but remember, God provided fresh water overflowing where it became sweet and not bitter.

“When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”).  Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded. So Moses cried out to the Lord for help, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink. It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him. He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.” After leaving Marah, the Israelites traveled on to the oasis of Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the water. Exodus 15: 23-27.

Have a great day full of miracles my friend.

Some excerpts quotes by Erwin Lutzer.