Welcome to a new feature on Jerralea.com
For over three years, I’ve been publishing a weekly devotional for those on my e-mail list called, The Wednesday Pit-Stop: Fueling Up on the Word to slide into the weekend.
Every Wednesday, I share insights God has given me regarding His word. I’ve decided to share past issues here on the blog with you.
Today’s topic: Disappointment
Are you disappointed with what happened in recent years? Did you have dreams dashed, bubbles burst, and your goals grounded?
Yeah, me too.
In fact, I should’ve written all my plans in pencil.
I’m sure there’s going to be reams of material written in the future about the lack of motivation and the siphoning away of our energy levels experienced by everyone since the word “pandemic” showed up in our vocabularies.
But here’s the thing; the coming months do not have to be a repeat. Oh, I know we can’t control what happens. 2020 and the pandemic taught us that.
But we have control on where we fix our minds.
It’s okay to mourn what might’ve been; but don’t let it rob you of the anticipation, joy and hope the rest of your life may have in store.
When you start dwelling on hope, try fixing your mind on this scripture:
But that’s not all!
Romans 5:3-5 The Passion Translation
Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence,
knowing that our pressures will develop in us
patient endurance.
And patient endurance will refine our character,
and proven character leads us back to hope.
And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy,
because we can now experience
the endless love of God cascading into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!
Worldly hope lets us down. The only hope that doesn’t disappoint is the hope we find in Christ.
For Further Study:
These things I have spoken to you,
John 16:33 New King James Version
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
And He said to me,
2 Corinthians 12:9 New King James Version
“My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore most gladly I will rather
boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials
James 1:2 New King James Version
Acknowledge your disappointment; but move on with hope. It’s not over until God says it’s over.
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Thank you for your encouragement. I tell myself daily to fix my eyes on Jesus. Disappointment came to us way before the pandemic. A diagnosis for my husband ended his career at 54 years old. We anticipated another 15 years of career and income. Not to be for us. We moved to the other side of the country at God’s call. Dear man is more healthy here. I still feel disappointed, but I want to learn what God wants me to know about all this…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us all. When things go awry, I remind myself of John 16:33. Jesus told us straight up we would experience difficulties in this life. But He also told us we can have peace and courage as He has overcome the world and will enable us to endure as we press into Him.
Yes, I should have written my plans in pencil too. 🙂 Love this advice: “It’s okay to mourn what might’ve been; but don’t let it rob you of the anticipation, joy and hope the rest of your life may have in store.” Thanks, Jerralea!