Working through disappointments can be very challenging for any of us. When was the last time you hoped for something only to be deeply disappointed? It hurts when life does not work out as we think it should. Disappointments turn our stomachs and can cause depression and discouragement.
Some people can work through great disappointments over time, while others struggle with anger, bitterness, and a feeling of defeat. I remember working through a blow that took over a year until the Lord revealed that people have free will. The idea that people have a free choice is obvious, but sometimes we don’t always understand the obvious at the time.
Joseph Had to Work Through Many Disappointments
Joseph grew up in a large family where everyone was a shepherd. Most likely, Joseph thought this was what he would also do. Joseph’s thoughts of being a shepherd would change one day when his brothers, who disliked him, sold him into slavery. Can you imagine the disappointment he must have felt?
Just as things begin to go well as a slave in the house of Potiphar, Joseph was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned. Again, you can imagine his disappointment. Later while imprisoned, Joseph was assigned to care for Pharaoh’s cupbearer, who was placed in prison because he offended Pharaoh.
Sometime later, Joseph interpreted the cupbearer’s dream, telling him God had revealed he would soon be released and restored. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him and put in a good word to the Pharaoh when things went well for him. Genesis 40:23 Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought. [1] Again, Joseph would have to work through disappointment and, at the same time, keep His focus on the Lord and not his circumstances.
Disappointments are Not Final
As believers, when we open God’s Word, we discover that disappointments are not final with God. Many verses in the Bible encourage the reader to keep going despite their circumstances. Isaiah 55:8My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. [2]
Sometimes, it takes disappointment to teach us something or strengthen our faith. Dealing with disappointments positively can open doors of hope, especially when we ask the Lord to journey with us. Joseph did this, and you can do the same when we focus on the Lord and not our circumstances. Genesis 41:51 Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” [3]
To hear about working through disappointment, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/prison-dreams
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.