Fields: Don’t be too disappointed in your disappointments

Disappointments come in a variety of shapes, forms situations and sometimes in people.

Joe FieldsAs they relate to people, I am of the belief that only those in whom we have placed a great deal of trust and expectation are allowed to disappoint us. Disappointment has been defined as “the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations.” Disappointments have become synonymous with sadness, regret, sorrow and oftentimes anger.

As believers, we will encounter disappointments as we travel through life. Often as we encounter ministry and life, disappointment seems to meet us going and coming.

How do you deal?

With that in mind, I would like to ask the question “How do you deal with disappointment?”

As I recall the biblical account of the Old Testament leader Joseph, I get a glimpse into how he handled his disappointments and was able to flourish in the purpose God had ordained for him, all the while experiencing great disappointment time and time again.

When Joseph was being obedient to his father, Jacob, while carrying out the wishes of his father, his brothers had other plans for Joseph’s life.

Disappointments/lessons

Disappointment No. 1: His brothers didn’t know Joseph’s purpose, so they seized him and sold him into bondage. Family can disappoint you.

Disappointment No. 2: He is lied upon by his employer’s wife and thus delivered into bondage again. You career/job can disappoint you.

Disappointment No. 3: Joseph has made friends in prison and has helped other people improve their lot in life, yet when those he helped were in a position to help Joseph, they did not return the favor. Friends can disappoint you.

God uses for good

What I have learned through the life of Joseph as well as from living myself is that I should not become too disappointed with my disappointments, because the variety of my disappointments may vary, but the God of my life who gives me purpose even in my disappointments never changes.

I choose to echo Joseph’s view on disappointment: What they meant for evil, God has used for good. If God has called you to himself, he has called you to walk through the seasons of despair and devastating disappointments.

Be encouraged and persevere through to your destiny.

Joe Fields is first vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Lewisville.