Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
This passage of scripture reveals the source of most disappointments in life, the problems usually stemming from the disposition to leave God out of our planning, since we think we know what is for our best good. The Bible teaches us that we really do not know what is best for ourselves, hence the reason why The Holy Spirit finds it necessary to modify our prayers as they ascend to God, lest we pray for something or someone that will do us more harm than good. IfGod were to grant us the things we often desire of Him, we would end up in very straightened places on many occasions, for we lack the insight to plan perfectly without the knowledge of future events. Let's read:
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Disappointments are often experienced when we go out on a limb to choose a life partner without first consulting with God, and then when we realize our mistake we are tempted to commit a second error by backing out of the sacred obligation. Now God does not promise us a perfect person, for there aren't any to be found on this planet, but what He does is to provide us with the best possible match who would give the least amount of trouble, and who would stay the course when the going gets rough.
And speaking of "Rough", it can be pretty tough at times, even with the right person at our side, for we are all fallen beings, and as such we are sometimes subject to mistakes, errors, and deficiencies of character. But when the going gets tough, the tough should not get going, for God is able to make even the bitterest disappointments in life, a productive learning curve, not only for ourselves, but also for future generations.
This is exactly what took place with Jacob, who fell in love with Rachel and promised to marry her in exchange for hard labor. Now it is possible that God overruled in this matter, but the Bible does not say that Jacob ever prayed about the situation first, but instead it seems as if he were captivated by her extraordinary beauty. Let's read:
Genesis 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
But Jacob's first big disappointment came on the night of his wedding, when he realized that Leah, Rachel's sister had been given to him instead of the wife of his dreams. Then the next big disappointment came when after having Rachel to wife, he learned that she was barren, and could not bear children. This condition was considered a kind of curse in olden days, and as a result, tension and strife began to build in the family, which now consisted of Jacob and four wives. This is not what Jacob had in mind when he first decided to have Rachel, and he found himself in a pretty disturbing predicament, when Rachel began to voice her stress and discontent. Let's read:
Genesis 30:1 when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 2 And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?
If Jacob had first consulted with God, and not let his feelings guide his decisions, it is very possible that the disappointment with Leah might have been averted, but even in these unexpected circumstances, God was able to bring forth good out of a regrettable situation, for Judah was born to Leah, and he became the progenitor of Jesus Christ, according to the flesh.
In all of our experiences as Christians, we must be aware that there is a real devil, whose only delight is in the misery and disappointed hopes and dreams of the human family, and thus it behooves us to be wise in seeking God first in everything so that situations such as these may be avoided, wherever they can. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to seek God's face first in every situation in life, for in this way, the many disappointments we encounter on life's pathway can be successfully avoided. Let's read:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!