I have lived enough of my life to know there is no way to live without challenges, hurts, and disappointments.
“I’m so disappointed.” Even as the words came out of his mouth, I could see the disappointment had caused hurt deep in his heart.
Being disappointed is a part of this life as we live in a fallen world with broken people. Disappointment is a given, what we do with it is our choice.
Will we still love and follow hard after God even in the midst of the pain? What if our circumstances remain unchanging – will we choose to find joy each day?
Having now lived more of my life than is left to live, I am discovering every storm in my life served one purpose.
Every storm brings an awareness of our dependence on God. Every storm develops deeper roots in the soil of faith and God’s Word.
We either run from the storm or we run our race.
Which way are we running?
Paul understood life was a race to be run and won:
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, NASB)
We must move forward, past the disappointment, and continue to run our race. Everything occurring in our lives is a part of our story, our portion of life which tells His story. Our lives are to be the story of His power, His grace, and His goodness at work in the lives of broken people.
For the story to be fully told we must press on, keep running, straining to reach the end goal.
I haven’t always liked certain parts of my story, and you won’t like all of yours either. We need to trust Him even with those undesirable parts, knowing or accepting, He will work in every part.
“Hope comes when we let go our our own expectations and watch for what He is actually doing within our actual lives and wait for His conclusion, knowing He will indeed bring us safely out of the storm.”
(from Help, I’m Drowning by Sally Clarkson, page 93)
There’s only one way for us to navigate the storms of life. We must:
- Run with endurance.
- Fix our eyes on Jesus.
- Consider (or remember) all He went through so we will not grow weary and lose heart.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.“ (Hebrews 12:1-3, NASB)
These days we all have been living in for the last year, and longer, are draining. In her post, “Chronic Illness: 6 Tips for Dealing With Fatigue“, Ashley Rowland offers suggestions for those battling fatigue from chronic illness. But they are suggestions which will truly help us all. You can read her post HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Raychel Sanner on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I was so encouraged by Sally’s story. There’s a purity to the feeling of disappointment that I find comfort in. When I bring it quickly to God, I bypass a lot of murkier feelings like bitterness.
I so agree – her writing is encouraging and full of wisdom.
Thank you, Joanne, such an encouraging post. Truly moving past disappointment towards God, trusting in His goodness and ultimate redemption of our broken story releases us from bitterness. I love the quote by Sally Clarkson!
I have so enjoyed her latest book. She truly brings encouragement and wisdom to help us navigate the storms of life.
Thanks for pointing us to God!
Hugh Houston
https://jesusbetter.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/hope-i-cant-go-on-without-hope/
What a sweet surprise this morning. Thanks so much for the feature, Joanne!
My joy, Ashley! There are many who are struggling with fatigue not only from chronic illnesses but also as covid long haulers. My hope is that it will be a help to many. Thank you for sharing so transparently.
Disappointments can blur our vision and dim our hope. But we need to refocus on Him and yield to Him. Sometimes (maybe most times?) the problem is I wanted *my* way and I am disappointed God didn’t see fit to work things out how I wanted. It sounds silly and juvenile and foolish. I have to constantly remind myself His was is indeed best, no matter how things look in the moment.
Barbara, you make such a good point. We see in the moment while God sees long range. Now that is something I need to remember!
Oh how I wish I could run from the storm and run the race. But you are so right. His ways are greater.
Lauren, as I read your comment, this is what hit me – Keep running your race and you will also run out of the storm in His time.
Loved your line, “We either run from the storm or we run our race.” That’s the human dilemma in a nutshell. You’re going to run. Which way will it be? I pray I might always choose to run my race. My life’s goal is to hear, “Well done,” at the end of it.
Amen, Jerralea. May that always be our choice and the words we one day hear. Blessings!
I agree that fixing our eyes upon Jesus is so important in the face of disappointment Joanne.
Bless you,
Jennifer
Philippians 3:14-16 is my life verse. I press on but some days it is hard! Staying fixed on His goodness is the way, and you’ve shown that way here today!
Joanne, thank you for this song this morning. I hadn’t heard it in a while, I love this. So true. His power is made perfect in our weakness. Indeed, his light forever reigns. Blessings.
~Selah~
I appreciate you sharing, “Every storm brings an awareness of our dependence on God. Every storm develops deeper roots in the soil of faith and God’s Word. We either run from the storm or we run our race.” Wow! Powerful and succinct!
“ We either run from the storm or we run our race.” I see from reading the comments that I’m not the only one who was struck by this line, Joanne. When I look back I see I came through many storms I would have rather avoided, but I wouldn’t be who I am today””as a Christian or a person””if I hadn’t weathered them all. Such good encouragement, dear friend!
“We either run from the storm or run our race.” Great insight, Joanne. As you shared, we will always experience storms in our broken lives and broken world. But it doesn’t change who God is or the race set before us.