Overcoming Disappointment

Sometimes you’ve just got to tell those years of disappointment good-bye, and start fresh by telling yourself that “I am not defined by my disappointment. I rest in the knowledge that God has appointed Himself over me and my circumstances.” At least that’s what I began telling myself a year ago.

Does that mean I no longer experience disappointment? Nope. But it does mean that I can choose to not let my feelings of disappointment define me.

It was good for me to realize that by the grace of God, disappointment does not have to define my life. I can choose to focus on it, or instead I can focus on the divine appointments God brings into my life.

Everyone faces disappointment, and after repeated letdowns, we find ourselves wrestling with a fear of disappointment, whether big or small.

In my adult life I have faced social and relational disappointments, job disappointments, and financial disappointments. They are all difficult. For me personally, my greatest disappointment has been chronic – month after month, for many years, I have experienced the disappointment of not becoming pregnant.

Do you know anyone who has taken a driver’s license test or a the same exam 85 times in a row hoping to eventually pass? I don't. But I do know plenty of women who have seen that many negative pregnancy tests, one after another. And I’ve watched friends who have experienced repeated miscarriages or stillbirth face an enormous fear of loss when they become pregnant again.

Whatever disappointments you may fear, I want you to know that you are not the only one. I also want to point out some interesting stories in the Bible that might speak some hope into your disappointment.

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, the king asked them who could save them. They replied that they expected God to rescue them. And if not? They believed that God is still good. Let’s tell our fear of disappointment that even if God does not answer our prayers like we hope that He will, He is still good.

John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin and the one who prepared the way for His ministry. While the Son of God was out there teaching and preaching, John had been thrown into prison. The last message that John received from Jesus was this: "Do not be offended by me." Even though Jesus was doing miracles all of the time, John was beheaded in prison, with the words of Jesus echoing in his ears. Do not be offended by the way that I choose to do things.

Your circumstances might be causing you to wonder, "What the heck are you doing, God?" He wants us to trust Him in the process, regardless of the outcome that we can see right now. We can trust that as His followers, He is working all things out for our good and for His glory.

“The Lord Himself goes before you
and will be with you; 

He will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

Deuteronomy 31:8 

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Hi, I’m Betsy, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband, Mike. We have been married

since 2008. We enjoy exploring new cities together on foot, eating at our favorite Italian restaurants, and doing life as a team. I published my first book Embracing Hope During Infertility in January 2015, and Seasons: A Picture Book was published in November 2016. I would love for you to connect with me by following my Hope During Infertility Facebook page and my Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page. I occasionally tweet as well @lovethatbetsy.

Thanks so much for reading my posts!