Recently I experienced the sting of deep disappointment. I shot my shot and hit the rim; the ball didn’t quite make it through the net. When I started on this recent venture, I did not ignore the possibility of disappointment; I went in with my eyes wide open.
As I prepared, I focused more on the possibility than the impossibility. I relied on verses that I knew, whispered positive affirmations to myself, had lots of conversations with God, took deep breaths, and ultimately took my shot. But I also kept it close to the vest, sharing with very few. I was prepared for either outcome, or so I told myself, but I only listened to the possibility.
Isn’t that the way it is with disappointment? We build ourselves up, hoping against hope, and become still utterly deflated when we don’t get the outcome we hoped for. Disappointment can be a passing emotion over a temporary loss, or it may strike powerfully when something permanently changes our lives.
Joseph was familiar with disappointment, both with people and God. His brothers sold him into slavery, and things looked like they were working out for him. But then his master’s wife tries to seduce him, and he ends up in jail. While there, he interprets the dreams of the baker and the butler. When the butler is released, two more years pass before he remembers Joseph. By this point, Joseph has had his fill of disappointment. But it is at his lowest when things begin to turn around.
Joseph interprets the Pharoah’s dream and is put in charge of Famine Management for the land of Egypt. It is in this capacity that he’s finally reunited with his brothers and his father.
Hope isn’t wasted, neither was the preparation for the shot. God worked on Joseph through his disappointment; his heart was tender towards his brothers, who experienced regret over their actions. Through it all, God was with Joseph in all of his circumstances (Genesis 39:2, 23).
As we see in Joseph’s life, there was a divine appointment in disappointment. The same is true for us. When we’re disappointed, we can bring it all to Him – our sadness, dashed hopes, shot self-confidence – we can place it all in His hands so that He can do what He does best – restore our souls (Psalm 23). And in so doing, our faith is strengthened.
As I write this, I’m not letting my disappointment fester. I’m choosing a divine appointment, letting God change my disposition as he strengthens and enables me to persevere – shooting my shot. One day it will be nothing but net!
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:29,31
Dear Lord, when we are disappointed, help us run to you and not wallow in our feelings. Help us turn those feelings and thoughts over to you to strengthen for the journey. Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast faithfulness. Amen.
Can you see a divine appointment in your disappointment?
–Nylse
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