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dealing with disappointment // Thursday E-Devotion

You've been there. Maybe you were hoping for something to happen, but it doesn't. Maybe a person you admired greatly let you down. Maybe some pain and heartache came that you had no idea would be there. No matter what the situation, we have all had to deal with some disappointment.

Remember ...

Proverbs 16:9 (nlt) --- We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

My family has been looking for a home to buy the last couple months. This week we thought we found the right one and even were the winning bidder as the house was sold at auction. Then the owner rejected our offer. We were crushed. Yet I can see some light as we move further from the situation.

How we deal with disappointment is big thing. How do you deal with it? I will most likely not be able to concentrate and maybe even be some what depressed. Anger is not usually an issue after the first shock or pain wears off, but I have a tendency to get myself worked up. The let down stinks in. All through our situations we have to try to see God in every piece.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation) --- Trust in the L ord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

We can learn so much from our children. I am often rather upset with them (to put it mildly) when they throw a fit not getting what they want or being able to go where they want to go. Yet only minutes later, everything is OK. Life has moved on. Their focus has changed.

I am learning to trust God and let life move on. What happens is not an accident but divine intervention. Do you get that? Are you with me?

Think back on the things you wanted or what you have been disappointed about. Can you see how things worked out much better? I find that there are several things in my past that marked that road ... God knew best and He paved the road.

The situation that stands out for be most is when I was finishing my first year of college and had interviewed for a summer internship at Saddleback Church (that was 1991). If I had gone there, I would not have met my wife and had many of the opportunities God has provided. 7 years later I interviewed at a mega church in Atlanta and was crushed when they didn't hire me because of moving expenses. Again, I see now the hand of God because we most likely wouldn't be in Virginia.

Remember ...

Jeremiah 29:11 (nlt) --- For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Seeing from God's point of view makes disappointment much easier to deal with...thank you, God, for your plans!

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