“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 12:12 (NIV)
Let me just say, disappointment has derailed many fervent followers of Christ from pressing into their destinies. If we are not careful, disappointment will literally dis-appoint us from what God has put us here for! Sometimes life feels like two steps forward and one step back, or perhaps even one step forward and two steps back!
Consider what God is doing in this season of “disappointment.” Here are just a few positive things that God does in such times as these. The Apostle Paul talked about being jars of clay who are pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, struck down but not destroyed, who are wasting away daily but are achieving eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:7-18). Paul continues with saying that God takes whatever we go through and turns it into good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). James the brother of Jesus says the trials and temptations are not from God but will result in greater maturity, wisdom and perseverance, if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (James 1:2-8,&12,-15). And Peter prophetically speaks over us saying not to be surprised by the “fiery ordeal” that we are facing (1 Peter 4:12) but to be ready that after we suffer a bit, God “will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10).
Our God is absolutely good. He is not the author of evil, or complicit in pain and suffering. Those things are a consequence of a devil, demons and sin! Nevertheless, God takes what the enemy means for evil and turns it into good (Genesis 50:20). The very thing that we were held captive by, becomes the weapon in our hands to set others free. The chains that used to be on our feet are now weapons in our hands. Ask God to heal those who have been “dis-appointed” and carry sick hearts from this season! Ask God to use you, your church and those followers of Christ across our city to come out of this season of “disappointment” stronger, more passionate for Him with greater clarity and wisdom! This season, as painful and challenging as it has been, has been a stepping stone of preparation for this next season that is upon us. Ask God to realign you with every place that you have allowed yourself to be dis-appointed from. Ask God to finish in you everything He needs to do to prepare you for the harvest and battles that are opening up before you!
