Subscription Lists

Handling Disappointment

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know

that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

I sometimes get disappointed easily. Any mix-up in plans can cause me great anguish. The only way I can keep myself under control is to pray about the issue. I have to ask the Lord if I am in the wrong or is the other person. There have been times when I couldn't do anything but pray about what happened because the issue is so tender and can cause further hurt feelings.

As a college student, I found myself getting depressed when I became disappointed. Because of this, I chose not to have expectations or look forward to events. I opted for this path because I didn't want to be let down. Because of recent happenings in my life, I almost found myself at that point again.

This past Christmas season I went through a time where I felt sad because of the way an event unfolded. I hadn't done something that someone thought I should. Her family seemed to be bothered by my inaction. I shared the situation with my husband the evening I realized what transpired.

I have two other friends that eventually kept asking me about that friend’s condition. I had to share with the first one who reminded me I had to be the bigger person. The second friend listened and thought about the circumstances. This second friend has known the person with the issue with me for quite a long time. Her take on the issue was “what would have happened if the roles were reversed?”

More recently, I found myself struggling to get to a meeting that either got canceled or the location changed. I felt lower than low. I did pray for the safety and the health of the one who called the meeting. The lady in charge of the meeting got back with me when she could. She had several things going on that afternoon and forgot about setting the meeting date.

I have learned something from this ‘mix-up.’ It’s very simple. People will let us down but God won’t. We have to stay close to Jesus in order to overcome what we perceive as slights we may receive from others-Christian or worldly people.

As I sat here, trying not to stew God has reminded me of the scripture at the top of this writing. The enemy would like nothing better than to stir up dissension among God’s people. My suffering is very small, compared to the trials of those in a third world country. I have a roof over my head. My clothes are suitable for the weather. We have canned goods on the shelf and food in the refrigerator. I am blessed.

As I polished this article, we are at the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday was the day before. I made it a priority to attend the noon service at my church. At one point, the pastor asked those in attendance to bring a list what we are giving up for Lent to the front of the sanctuary. I stood in line and had earlier seen a woman who, with her sisters, grew up near where we live. Our families had connections back then. I waved at her. In response to my greeting she approached me and gave me a big hug. I don’t know why she did this. I probably will not know until I see Jesus when I enter heaven. Meanwhile, I will look at it as a gift from God.

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Origin Of Nations