Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
This passage teaches us that we should not esteem ourselves too highly, but should always walk humbly with God, according to the measure of faith He has granted us. This will then translate into being patient in times of great disappointment, when situations did not turn out the way we expected. The perseverance that is exercised during these times always works for the benefit of those who are exercised thereby, for it develops the sterling characteristics of trust and dependence on God, elements which are too often lacking in our experience.
One of the truths we will need to be reconciled to is the fact that we are all born with a natural tendency to live apart from God, a concept that originated with satan, and therefore in the cleansing process, we must of necessity pass through experiences in which the lesson of total dependence on God is permanently etched into our consciousness, and in many instances, this will include going through periods of great disappointment.
Every person who has ever entered into a covenant relationship with God has gone through experiences such as these, and even if a person does not know God, they too will be subject at times to severe disappointments, for it's a life experience which we all must pass through. Abraham was disappointed after God had promised him that he would have children by his wife Sarah, who was then barren. And for twenty five years after the promise was made no sign of any son was came their way, and because of weariness with the waiting period, the unscriptural suggestion of polygamy was made, which brought them much heartache later on, even down to our day. Joseph too was given dreams of a bright future, and yet he suffered the most bitter disappointment and humiliation after being sold as a slave and thrown in jail for a crime he did not commit.
David suffered disappointment too, after he was anointed by God to take over from where Saul would leave off, but not long after he found himself on the "Most wanted" list in Israel, and was forced to run for his life, and live like a fugitive for many years. And the history of expectations and disappointments continues with the disciples of Christ, who were expecting Him to take the throne in Israel, but instead their hopes and dreams suffered the most profound reversal and humiliation, as they witnessed Him crucified on the cross between two thieves. And the list goes on and on and trickles down to our day, when in our own experiences we too may suffer disappointments, just like those who have gone before, and like them, we also are called upon to persevere in tribulation, and to be patient with God and with ourselves when our hopes and dreams to not come true in ways we were expecting them to, for the promises of God to us are often fulfilled, only after patience has been exercised. Let's read:
Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise".
In the school of affliction is where we most often learn the valuable lesson of waiting upon God, and the patience that becomes necessary in times like these, often brings to our Christian experience, a depth and ruggedness that cannot be easily shaken, if we endure patiently the trial of our faith. So lets zip up our boots and put a smile on our face, and instead of wallowing in the "Why me" frame of mind, let us rather take hold of the arm of Omnipotence, and let us take the shield of faith wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to do so, and it is the will of God that from here on out, we will keep a level eye, walking with a steady and even tread, even though the vicissitudes of life may disappoint from time to time. Let's read:
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!