And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:2-5)
If you enjoy being disappointed, raise your hand. Now. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Me, neither.
But disappointments are part of life, and I got slammed with one this week. My first reaction was to pout at the world in general, but that wasn't very satisfactory.
Dreams were crushed, and that hurts.
But when I took my eyes off my own hurt and looked around, I realized that this particular disappointment is terribly minor compared to the suffering of so many.
Not only that, this trial is merely another lesson in patience and trust. And, thank God, we have One we can trust completely. Our hope in Him and His word does not disappoint. Even though my own little dream has been squashed like a bug, it is not the main event.
A beloved pastor of ours liked to remind us: God is much more concerned with our character than our comfort.
And, in this case, our convenience.
So even though I still feel disappointment, I can - at the same time - embrace hope. Hope that God will make His will known, in His time.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our heart by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Can I get an amen?
If you enjoy being disappointed, raise your hand. Now. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Me, neither.
But disappointments are part of life, and I got slammed with one this week. My first reaction was to pout at the world in general, but that wasn't very satisfactory.
Dreams were crushed, and that hurts.
But when I took my eyes off my own hurt and looked around, I realized that this particular disappointment is terribly minor compared to the suffering of so many.
Not only that, this trial is merely another lesson in patience and trust. And, thank God, we have One we can trust completely. Our hope in Him and His word does not disappoint. Even though my own little dream has been squashed like a bug, it is not the main event.
A beloved pastor of ours liked to remind us: God is much more concerned with our character than our comfort.
And, in this case, our convenience.
So even though I still feel disappointment, I can - at the same time - embrace hope. Hope that God will make His will known, in His time.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our heart by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Can I get an amen?
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