When facing bitter disappointment
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Hardly any of us can go through life without experiencing on occasions
the dampening effect of disappointment. A friend we hoped would come through
for us lets us down, an event on which we pinned a great deal of hope
fails to materialise, or an important promise made to us is broken. Dealing
with such disappointments is not easy.
The following threee principles, however, when followed and practised
should help.
First, we must accept that what has happened has happened. When, in
the the effort to get away from the pain of disappointment, we pretend
that something has not happened, or that it has happened in a different
way, we deceive ourselves. Integrity require that whatever is true, whatever
is real, must be faced.
Second, we must acknowledge our feelings. If we feel hurt, angry, frustrated,
or any other negative emotions, we must be willing to face them. Unacknowledged
emotions invariably cause trouble.
Third, we must bring the issue to God in prayer, remembering that He
can take every one of life's disappointments and make them work for us
rather than against us (see Romans 8:28-29). Just change the first letter
of "Disappointment" from "D" to "H" and
"Disappointment" becomes "His-appointment". One poet
has put the same truth like this:
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
"Father, thank You for reminding
me of Your skill of turning blocks into blessings. Forgive me for ever
doubting it. Help me believe that even this disappointment will be taken
by You and made to serve. Thank you dear Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Scripture on which to reflect:
1.All things serve: Romans 8: 28.
2.Hand over to God your deep concern: 1Peter 5: 7.
3.Stand-even though you do understand: Proverbs 20: 24.
4.From God alone comes the strength to stand: Psalm 68: 35.
5.God's power shows up best in weak people: 2Corinthians 12: 9.
6.A steadfast mind is a mind focussed on God: Isaiah 26: 3.
7.Recognise that God always knows the best: Proverbs 16: 9.
8.God reigns even when circumstances suggest the opposite: Revelation19:6
*****************Letter # 25 (8.7.2000)**********************
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