Disappointments are ever present in our lives. Some are simply an aggravation; our favorite team lost a game, our pizza delivery took too long, or the store was out of our favorite cereal. Some seem really big at the time they occur; failing a quiz at school, not making the team, or not getting the role you wanted in a play. Some alter the way we live our lives; not getting a job we really wanted, an unwanted job change, or not getting the home we wanted. Some are devastating; losing a parent to illness, the death of a child, or the breakdown of close relationships.

How we deal with those disappointments shapes our future in some way or other. We may become angry at those aggravating disappointments. We may give up and not try again after those that seem big at the moment. We may become depressed and insecure when life altering or devastating events happen. It takes perseverance and God’s help to move past the disappointments. The larger the disappointment, the longer it may take as we persevere.

Your favorite team lost a game? Don’t give up on them. Support them no matter what. One day they just might surprise you and turn things around mid season and win the “BIG TROPHY” at the end of the season. Your pizza was late and cold upon arrival? Don’t take your business away from the restaurant. Next time, maybe you can dine in or pick it up yourself. Help that business grow. Your favorite cereal was gone from shelves? Try something new! You might find you like a totally different flavor of cereal.

You flunked a quiz?  Study at least five minutes each day.  Next time the answers will be easier.  You want to make the team?  Exercise more and choose a particular sport to “specialize” in.  Want to be involved in the theater?  Help out behind the scenes while you hone your acting skills.  Every “role” in a production is important, even those not seen on stage.   

Those life altering disappointments? Those are a bit harder. When we feel we were the perfect fit for the job we failed to get, or have to leave a job we love, it’s hard to see past it at first. With God’s guidance and perseverance we can make it through. In time, HE will place us where he wants us, when HE wants us to be there. HE will place us in the right job, home, and location when the time is right.

Devastating disappointments are the hardest. When a parent dies of cancer despite the best medical care and numerous heartfelt prayers, it takes time to heal and accept that God is there with us through it all. HE will heal our hurting hearts. HE will comfort us as we cry. HE will heal “our soul” as time passes on. When a child is taken from our lives HE is there to soothe our brokenness. HE will show us that the future is going to be okay. HIS love will sustain us. When relationships with family or friends break down, ask God to guide you so that you can reach out and renew the connection. Make the first move to mend those broken fences.

No matter the type of disappointment – PERSEVERE! Become a bloom in the concrete that draws others to HIS love, mercy and grace!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position

so I could save the lives of many people.”   Genesis 50:20

Read more of the story of Joseph and his many disappointments in Genesis 37 and 39-50.

The Story of Joseph