Trusting God in Life's Disappointments by Katy Dodds
For it to be okay, it has to be my way.
This has been my mindset far too many times in my life.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “The heart of a man plans his way, But the LORD establishes his steps.”
I know this, but often I just love my plans far too much. And I tend to think the steps I want to take will be so much better. Something tells me you’ve been there before. You’ve held onto a dream or a plan so tightly, that its loss was terribly disappointing, perhaps even devastating.
Very rarely do we understand what God is doing in the moment of disappointment, pain, or heartbreak. And I can imagine that no one understood this devastation much better than the disciples.
Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah. The one, they believed, would finally free them from centuries of foreign oppression. So just think what it must have felt like for them: watching their Messiah—along with their hopes & dreams—being executed. If there was ever a time to scream, “Why God?”, it would have been then. But God’s plans were always far greater than anything the disciples could have ever fathomed.
Within just three days, the great purpose in Jesus’s death was revealed. And his resurrection assures us that death, disease, everyday disappointments, and massive devastations will never have the final word in our lives. But maybe you still don’t understand why things didn’t go as planned for you. Why you didn’t get that job, or that guy. Why your journey to motherhood has been so difficult, or why that loved one passed too soon. And honestly, God may never reveal why on this side of heaven.
It’s so easy to fall into bitterness when things don’t go as planned in our lives. But we do have a choice—we can choose instead, to trust. We can stand on the truth that God works all things for our good, and remain confident that he still has wonderful things planned for us.
And keeping this attitude of peace & joy, despite the circumstances, will radiate Christ to others. Just think what a powerful ministry opportunity your disappointment could bring. (Which was, perhaps, God’s plan all along!)
Let’s be honest though—often in the midst of great disappointment, this perspective is so hard to keep.
So, what can we do?
First and foremost, unburden yourself at the feet of Christ. Jesus gets it; he faced many such disappointments in his time here on earth.
Then, make yourself a list: Remind yourself of all the times God said no to your plans, but yes to something else. Something that was likely much, much better. When I think over my own life, it’s easy to see how God has always been working for good, even in my greatest disappointments. And you can choose to trust that he is always working for your good, too.
Discussion Questions:
Think of a past plan that didn’t work out. How did God ultimately use this disappointment for good?
Read James 1:2-8. What can we gain from the trials of our lives?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I trust that you are always a good, good Father. Teach me to seek you first in all my plans, and to trust you when disappointments come my way. No matter my circumstances, help me to always radiate your love and peace. In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
About Katy Dodds
Writer & Teacher
Katy Dodds is a wife and mother of two, from The Woodlands, Texas. She spent 10 years working in Education, earning a M.Ed. and teaching students with dyslexia. Now writing while raising her children full-time, her work has been featured on Her View From Home & Love What Matters.
