I was reminded recently of a scene in the movie "The Apostle" wherein
a lady is talking about his prayer life. She poignantly said, "Sometimes he prays. Sometimes he just yells."
Have you ever yelled or had an intense conversation with God? Has God
ever disappointed you? Have you ever felt like what God promised you
was delaying and not happening as you expected?
While in Miami, I was working out at a hotel gym one night when I saw
a scene from a sitcom on the TV. A teenage girl who anticipated going
out on a date was suddenly asked by her father to stay home and
babysit her younger brother. She was greatly upset saying, "I was
supposed to go out tonight." Her father replied, "Well, I was supposed
to be a millionaire by the time I was 21 years old, but that's not
happening."
Life seemingly and sadly comes with some illusions. Things that we
expect are supposed to happen don't always do, or at least not always
within our timetable. Dealing with disappointment can certainly be a
daunting and challenging task, particularly when it has to do with our
relationship with our Creator.
Here are some things to remember.
1. Delay is not denial.
Everything God has promised, He shall fulfill. "God is not a man, that
he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he
said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make
it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
2. You are not alone in your feelings toward God.
Many other men and women of God throughout history also struggled
similarly with overcoming disappointment. David, a man after God's own
heart, often voiced his complaints throughout the Psalms. Many of the
Psalms came about as a result of David pouring his heart out to God,
complaining about his current struggles, and seeking God for insight.
David mentioned "the ungodly who prosper" was very "painful" for him
(Psalm 73:12,16). However when David went to God's house he gained
understanding and realized the end of the wicked (v. 17).
Even Jesus on the cross felt forsaken by His heavenly Father when He
uttered the words: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
(Psalm
22:1; Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).
The great apostle Paul said at one time in his life, "All men forsook
me" (2 Timothy 4:16). Nevertheless the Lord stood with Paul and
strengthened him (v. 17).
3. Disappointment should be a time to schedule a divine appointment to
gain insight and personal inner strength.
As Paul was alone and disappointed, he drew closer to God who
strengthened him. Likewise should we turn disappointment into a divine
appointment. Seek God for insight, understanding, and strength.
Our God is a very present help in a time of trouble
(Psalm 46:1).
4. Share your feelings with other strong believers who can encourage
you in your faith. "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend"
(Proverbs 27:17).
We need each other for encouragement, counsel,
comfort, and courage. A difficult time is not the time to discard your
convictions and run.
We all have feelings, which we should validate. However we do not have
to be governed by our feelings. Sharing your feelings does not mean
you have to follow and act them out.
5. Pray for each other as you endure life's struggles.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails
much (James 5:16).
6. Walk by faith not by sight.
Feelings fluctuate and change. God exhorts and encourages us to "walk
by faith, not by sight"
(2 Corinthians 5:7).
Faith is a mighty force
by which you can change your world. Therefore don't succumb to
circumstances, but speak to them and overcome them
(Mark 11:23).
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of
Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also,
and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions"
(Hebrews 11:32-33).
7. Expect to see God's glory revealed through your personal suffering. "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us"
(Romans 8:18).
Suffering is common to everyone - believer and unbeliever. However God
empowers His children to be overcomers and conquerors.
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that
loved us"
(Romans 8:37).
How can we overcome unless we go through struggles and challenges?
Therefore get a warrior's mindset to be militant and go to battle
against your present circumstances.
Decide to overcome rather than be overwhelmed. As you do, God will
strengthen you for the battle at hand and teach you how to fight
(Psalm 18).
"Only believe and you shall see the glory of God"
(John 11:40).
~~Paul Davis
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