Disappointment

We've all faced it at some point or another. That dreaded word, disappointment. It creeps in like a thief in the night and takes you over. All your hopes and dreams seemed crushed by that one thing that didn't go right. It could be everything around you was wonderful, but you spent time and effort on something that didn't turn out the way it was supposed to.

That thought, supposed to. It's something that I have struggled with for a while. We ask ourselves, what am I supposed to do, we make plans of what is supposed to happen, or not happen. Then in an instant, the thing that was "supposed" to take place does not. World crushed, tears falling. Most of the time for me, it's silly things that aren't really earth shattering. Like my daughter is "supposed" to take a 2.5 hour nap so I can get some things done around the house. But instead she decided to wake up at the one hour mark and I'm bucket deep in clorox. Or even, dinner has been cooked and the recipe has been followed to the T. It's not "supposed" to taste like this though. So you see that little things happen all the time.

But this week I was reminded of big "supposed" to moments. Moments like, my husband and I were supposed to grow old together, but he just got a diagnosis of cancer. Hearing this from a friend and coworker can break your heart and soul. It leaves you questioning what the real plan is. Why him? Why this? Why now? This isn't SUPPOSED to happen. But I also was reminded that God has a bigger plan than our own. What we think is "supposed" to take place is our will, not God's. As I looked at my friend when she gave me this news, my heart broke, but it also called out, pray. Pray to God for his guidance. I know that when my mom was diagnosed with cancer I was angry and confused. I had to hit my knees and remember who I serve. So with all the strength I had, I gave that same advise to my friend. I tried to be a word of encouragement, but I also wanted to let her know that God has this in his hands.

In all of this brokenness, I have seen faith like no other. My friend has gained a peace (still with anxiety about the future) and she knows that through this trial, God will provide. He already has! Her husband is going to MD Anderson for answers, they have a place to stay, people who have been through this have been in contact with them, and a whole community has surrounded them with prayers.

I'd like to share with you part of my daily devotional. It spoke on this and Glynnis Whitwer's words are much better than mine:

As I look back on my life, the times I’ve seen God work in the greatest ways are when I admit my natural strength isn’t enough. That’s when His supernatural strength is evident. Viewed from this perspective, it reminds me sometimes failure is an opportunity to see God work miracles.

God is always up to something for my good. And that’s a much better way to look at disappointment.

Lord, thank You for working in my life, even in ways that look like failure. Help me keep my eyes on You and not on my situation. Help me trust You more, especially when I face what looks like a disappointment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The biggest thing that spoke to me was "Help me keep my eyes on You and not on my situation."

What is "supposed" to happen usually isn't what is really going to happen or what the real plan may be. We have to learn to be ok with that and gain strength from it, not disappointment. As you go out this week, remember that failure is ok, especially when God is setting you up for something bigger. Also, if you would, put Robby Michael on your prayer list. His wife Raina and son Landon could use some prayers too. These people show God in real life, they are doing what they are called to do as Christians-- putting their faith in our Father, and it is a beautiful thing.

Have an amazing week!