Disappointment

Disappointment. That’s a fun topic to talk about, right? Okay, so maybe it’s not exactly a fun topic. More like, well, disappointing. We all experience disappointments; whether it’s being disappointed in a loved one, in the decisions of others, in yourself (that’s a hard one, and a topic for another time!) or disappointment in a situation not turning out the way you hoped it would. It’s a fact of life, and something we must all face at some point, unfortunately.

I faced a pretty major disappointment recently, and took it pretty hard at first. There was an opportunity in front of me that was awesome. It was pretty much a no-brainer that I was going to be awarded this opportunity. I already had everything planned out exactly how it would go, I mean every little detail! And then I got the call. The call that humbled me and brought me back down to earth.

“We’ve made our decision…(excruciatingly long pause)…and it isn’t you.” I was able to muster up an “okay” and “thank you” but as soon as I hit end on the call I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe that what I thought was such a sure thing had fallen through. To say that I felt disappointed would be an understatement. I’d put all of my eggs into this one basket and believed that if I got what I was hoping for out of this, it would be the solution to all of my problems.

After a couple of days, and some encouraging words from those closest to me, I felt better. It wasn’t, however, the words from my loved ones that pulled me through my disappointment. It was these loved ones pointing me back to God and the truth that the Word speaks over my life. This truth helped me to see this as a minor blip, a speed bump to help me slow down and truly search God and where He wants me. Proverbs 16:9 says “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” God will direct my steps and lead me where He wants me, in order for me to fulfill the purpose that He has set for me. I just have to be focused on and in tune with Him.

Through this disappointment, God has shown me yet again that His way is best and it is for good, whether I can see that right now or not. I may not be content in my current season, but my contentment isn’t found in things or people, it is found in God. Ironically enough, when I went to biblegateway.com just now, the verse of the day caught my eye. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” That’s His purpose, not mine. I love when God speaks to me this way. I can all but hear Him saying “Laura, you seem to have forgotten this truth. Trust Me and I will show you the plans I have for your life.” Through this disappointment I have found joy and contentment in Christ. I do not have to live in disappointment, not when He has appointed me as His child and has a plan and purpose for me.