Disappointed Differently!
- Always Graceful
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
What was calling me AFRICA, COSTA RICA, MEXICO, returning to a job I love and a fresh relationship? What was my reality, freedom lost to the core, no real trips only cancellation because it would be dumb to do anything else, listen to your heart and how dad taught you so you would not be hurt again, oh and the wanted job not being solid because man will fail you always!
When I think about the disappointments some are in my control, lately not. I can’t help yet wonder how I keep going, keep serving, and keep smiling. The latest series of health, job, and finance matters even have those close to me thinking how she does this. When I listen to them or see them watching me I smile BIGGER! I truly am crazy enough to believe God has me different for several reasons.
Let me address a few elephants in the room publicly at this point, 3 things:
Suicide~I tell folks I’m too cute to harm my body and too nosy to see what God is going to do. No matter how upsetting or hard life gets I will NOT because God has NEVER failed me. God knows what is in our hearts better than any other, before we even speak the words. He knows when we are depressed or in pain or angry. Please speak unfiltered, brokenhearted, inarticulate prayers as they are coming out of deep pain, distress, or despair. Do NOT hold back any longer. You too deserve to see what the end will be. Romans 8:26 says “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”
Stop Trusting God~This is by far the most absurd thing people could suggest or think. I was created to shine a light and be a great example for others. My misery will result in great ministry as explained by one of my beloved brothers. I understand the difference in praying God’s will VS. Monica’s will for my life. The mountains move well when I am NOT in self. Therefore I ask in prayer, believe, and receive as God allows. I encourage people all the time to have a personal relationship with God. You talk the same and more intimate the closer you get. Trusting God is simple in obstacles and the #AllIsWell idea of living. When you talk to Him, study His word, and live out the concepts of the teachings, disappointments are not as discouraging. A wise man once said “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.” Lord, I trust in you as you are my hope and confidence. Keep me vibrant and make me fruitful while You get the glory.
Smile Always~When I rise daily I smile and say Thank You Lord. When I walk outside and go down the first step, I say Thank You Lord. When I get in the vehicle and it cranks, I say Thank You Lord. I do these things while smiling because it is a victory! I smile because it helps lift my spirit and keep the day encouraged. When people say “you are ALWAYS smiling”, I laugh. There are so many reasons to frown, cry, throw things, even use foul language yet smiling makes me feel as if I am defeating the negatives. I enjoy that level of confidence, boosting moods, and knowing God is with me. Try it and feel the change in your daily routine! Allow the routine to joyfully lead and keep you. Job 9:17, says if I decided to forget my complaints, if I decided to end my sadness and be cheerful. Then a Psalm supports “He puts a smile on my face.” Joy is God’s smile, love is God’s laughter!
If you have walked with God at any length of time it is quite possible that some things have happened that you simply don’t understand. We all have unanswered prayers, losing a loved one, suffering abuse or pain, financial difficulty, and so much more. Things in life can cause you to question what is going on and if God is really there. These things can cause disappointment and if left unchecked is a dangerous thing. When disappointment remains it becomes the lens from which you view things. However, God can heal you from all disappointment and cause you to once again see everything through the eyes of faith. HALLELUJAH!!
It is my hope that you will be encouraged and that you will find you can walk through any season and come out with faith, hope, and confidence in the love of God. He remains faithful even through our seasons of doubt, fear, and questions. He not only remains devoted yet He remains close, an ever present God. He never leaves even when you can’t feel His presence or hear His voice, He is there closer than you can imagine. God’s ways are mysterious!
Father, thank you that we can pray and You promise to hear us and we are never alone. I pray for those who are walking a hard journey as I. Today we are making a move and beginning again. Just remember the Bible tells us “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsake; struck down, but not destroyed.” Be grateful for this wondrous life of never-ceasing prayer, fellowship, answers, and experience of oneness with God.
Comments