Disappointments

Have you ever had those moments where you're really, really looking forward to something, and you've been counting down the days till you leave/the day arrives? But then, something comes up and those plans fall through, and you're left feeling with a vague ache inside the hollow of your chest. What is that feeling? Disappointment. It's when you were SO looking forward to something, but that something couldn't happen. Needless to say, the point of this story applies to me, and I brought it up because we all deal with countless disappointments in life. Whether it's not getting asked out by the guy you like, a road trip couldn't be taken, or plans with a good friend ended up being canceled. There are all kinds of disappointments, and we run in to them on a daily basis. There are little disappointments, and big disappointments (we didn't get that job offer we were hoping for). So how do we deal with them?

This weekend I was really looking forward to leaving town with my sister, and head to a Bible conference that my uncle hosts every year. It's a great weekend of fellowship, friends, and really good teaching from the Word of God. I know that's a small disappointment compared to some, but I always really enjoy that weekend. But due to a winter storm, and bad icy road conditions, I won't be taking that trip. I was crushed. I had planned my schedule accordingly, I had gotten my homework done, and I had even halfway packed. At first I started to cry, to be honest, and then I sucked up those tears and told myself to get over it! (denial). I asked God "why?' but no sooner had those thoughts entered my head, when I was struck by the thought that "God is still in control." I don't know why God wants me to stay home this weekend, but I know that He has my best interest at heart. Even though I don't understand the "why" part now, someday I will know. I am reminded of His promises, and how His thoughts are higher than my thoughts.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." --Jeremiah 29:11

I can't see the future, but I know the One who holds the future in His hands. God is a faithful God, and I know that I am to walk by faith and not by sight. It's easy to trust someone when it's light out and you can see, but it's much harder when it's dark and you have to fully trust in them. That's something that God has been teaching me lately, and even though it still hurts a bit, I have peace knowing that He is Sovereign.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." --1 Peter 1:6-7

May my trials bring glory to my Lord and Savior.