The Feeling of Disappointment

We have all experienced disappointment to one degree or another. Whether it be not making a team, not getting the promotion, or being given a new medical diagnosis; we all can think of a moment when we felt disappointed – when things aren’t the way we had hoped they would be.

I have wrestled with this for quite some time. Last week was filled with more disappointment as I learned I can’t go on spring break this year, due to it being too risky (which I do understand), but also learning I might not be able to work at my school next year. It’s too soon to tell. Missing out on events and happenings has become more of a norm the past how many years, but I was hoping that in some ways, I could start envisioning a new norm. But it’s not the “new norm” I was hoping it would be. Cue the disappointment.

When I feel disappointed, it can feel like God is picking on me. Why again, God? But he’s not picking on me; He’s just picking me to tell of His goodness and promises through a story that looks a bit different than I thought it would. You see, it’s all about perspective and I continually lose sight of it. But I have seen, time and time again, how God has used my disappointments to encounter God at a deeper level. They have begged me to come closer to Him because that is where my true hope and joy are found. He always has a purpose in the process He is taking me through.

Through all of our disappointments, God is preparing us for something. He’s preparing us for the purpose He created us for. Our purpose isn’t something we arrive at – it’s an on-going process that God is using to shape us into better images of Him, but He is also using our stories to display His promises and using our stories, for His glory.

One of the things I struggle with most is letting go of what I thought my life would look like. It’s NOTHING like I thought it would be and I lament that at times. And currently I still do. But through all the pain and suffering, God has taught me to not rely on my own strength, but His alone.

My friend, He is designing something so incredibly beautiful out of your life. What God is doing WILL NOT be wasted. You are being made more effective in His Kingdom, because of the disappointment you have experienced. Through our disappointments, we have a chance to see God do something incredible – far greater than we will ever see. But we have to trust the process and His promises.

What disappointments have you experienced? How has God used them to show you a bigger story of what He is doing in your life?

Again, I preach this to myself. I still wrestle with disappointment. I know God doesn’t expect perfection, but surrender. And I just need to keep surrendering my circumstances to Him, knowing He is making something beautiful out of all the disappointments. As He promises to do. And He is doing that for you too.