I remember my daughter at the age of 1 1/2 screaming at the top of her lungs as we passed by McDonalds. She wanted her ray-rays (french fries) and was extremely disappointed! As a parent, I clearly didn't want to see her cry, but if I had given in to her inconsolable tears every time, she wouldn't have been able to cope with greater disappointments in the future and certainly, although they are so yummy, it wasn't the best food to eat everyday. Oh, and did I mention that we passed McDonald's Monday thru Friday on the way to school?
No matter what age, disappointment is hard; but, inevitable. Paul ached for an answer in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (HCSB) which says, 'Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But he didn't get the answer he was hoping to receive from the Lord. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."' I can almost hear God saying, "I hate to disappoint you Paul, but I know what is best for you and this will give way for greater opportunities." Imagine for a moment, if Paul would have taken offense to the Lord's answer and allowed despair to consume his thoughts and give up.
So how do we deal with it? We must learn to take the opportunity to praise God through it and allowing His power to shine through us. Paul practiced this as he responded to the Lord, "Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (HCSB)
Practically Speaking: Ask yourself: Am I willing to accept whatever comes my way as God's best for me? Do I see it as an opportunity to share the hope in my heart with others? Begin each day asking the Lord to give you a heart that is willing to be accept His best and you will not be disappointed. Endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint ⌊us⌋, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5: 4-5 (HCSB)
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