We have a guest speaking to us today. He’s Zeke Lam, author of the nonfiction book subMission, talking to us about dealing with life’s disappointments.
To properly contend with and deal with disappointment, we must understand the root causes. When circumstances arise that are contrary to our plans or opinions, disappointment generally sets in. This is a normal human emotion driven by the desire to have control of or a handle on the events that occur in our lives. In light of the fact that everyone faces or will face such events, it is pertinent that we position our hearts and minds to handle disappointment.
God’s Word is clear concerning the plans that He has for our lives: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”(Isaiah 55:9) Accepting this truth into our lives can be quite challenging when we are faced with a trial or traumatic situation. However, as a Christian, it should bring great peace to our lives knowing that our Savior has our best interest in mind.
We only have the capability to see here and now, but God sees all. A Christian can deal with the disappointments that in this life from the perspective that God knows exactly what He must do in order to get our lives in position to further His Kingdom. If we can change the way we view our purpose on this earth, we can become conquerors of disappointment.
During challenging seasons of my life, I found myself suffocated by feelings of doubt, fear, and disappointment. The very moment God opened my eyes to the fact that it is not about me, joy began to override hurt. My purpose on this earth should be to bring glory and honor to my Lord in any fashion that He chooses to use me. Sometimes this is through death, sorrow, change, or pain. Sometimes it is through miracles, worship, and happiness. As I surrendered my life to this truth, disappointment lost its grip on me.
I often think of Esther when discussing a topic such as this. She could have been disappointed with her life. She could have lay down, been a victim, and suffered defeat. In the face of death, her perspective shifts from her circumstances to God’s divine plan. Consider Esther 4:14: “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
God spoke through Mordecai to shift Esther’s perspective from earthly to Heavenly. Did you catch what he said to Esther? In short, he urges her that if she refuse to rescue her people, God would indeed come through. But, what if her entire life, all the hurt, pain, confusion, sorrow, and disappointment, equipped and prepared her for this very moment, and she missed it!
Disappointment is a real issue that has plagued and robbed the joy from many followers of Christ. Allow God to shift your perspective concerning the events that unfold in your life. The truth is, things take place daily that are far beyond our control. If we seek to control our lives these “surprises” will devastate us. If we remain obedient to the Word of God, seek holy living, and focus on falling more in love with Christ, we can approach each situation that takes us by surprise from the angle that God is positioning us for His perfect purpose. He knows exactly the journey He must take us through to get us to where He needs us to be.
About Zeke’s book:
DO YOU DESIRE TO EXPERIENCE PERSONAL REVIVAL IN YOUR LIFE? It is all about submission to the Father’s will. If it is revival you seek, you must submit your life wholeheartedly to Christ!
In SUBMISSION, author Zeke Lam focuses on encouraging the Body of Christ nationwide to awaken from their slumber. This is the time to arise and allow the name of Christ to be extended to this world through the lives of His children. When you submit, you place yourself under the authority of the Almighty. In that moment of submission as followers of Christ, we will begin to witness things that far exceed the capability of man.