Several years ago, someone asked me how I handle disappointment. I was perplexed by the question, and I could not answer at that moment. The reason I couldn't answer is that I wanted to say I don't have disappointment. However, I was thinking, of course, I have lived a life with disappointing moments, so how can I say I don't have disappointment.
Since that day, I have often pondered this question. I desperately wanted the words to explain how you can live a life with disappointing moments without disappointment.
In his book 'This Day We Fight, Francis Frangipane says, "Disappointment is not just a sad, emotional state of mind; it actually can sever our hearts from faith. It is the enemy's work."
At that moment, I finally had the language to answer this question. I don't have or receive disappointment because I have faith in God's goodness and plans over my life. Of course, disappointing things have happened to me, but I believe God at His word, and I receive the words of God that Jeremiah spoke over the Jews, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
My life is in the hands of the Lord, and I know that He causes all things to work together for good. "All" means the good stuff and the bad. I have a history with God to see this to be true.
Faith isn't just for salvation; it is an ongoing action—faith multiples by trusting God's plan for your life and trusting in His goodness through every circumstance.
When disappointing things happen in life, we have a choice. Will we receive the disappointment that quenches our faith in God, or will we choose faith to trust in God that His promises over our lives are true.
I have seen disappointment quench the spirit of well-meaning believers and thwart the plans the Lord has for their life. To partner with disappointment is giving the enemy victory.
If you are carrying disappointment, repent, renounce the disappointment by breaking agreement with it, and believe by faith that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. Put your trust in Him and His goodness, and let Him create beauty from your ashes. You won't regret it.
With love, Michelle
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever." Ephesians 3:20, 21