Have you experienced any disappointments lately?

What a dumb question, huh? Life is full of disappointments. But,
it’s not so much what happens to us, but how we handle it. When
you receive dashed expectations, it will be at that moment when
you decide how to react.

When things don’t prosper or succeed according to our plan, the
first thing we feel is disappointment. This is normal. There is
nothing wrong with feeling disappointed. But, we must know what
to do with that feeling, or it will move into something more
serious.

The devil would like for nothing more than for you to lie in the
pit of disappointment for as long as possible. This way he can
cause the seed of discouragement to grow. From there, he will
plant seeds of depression, and so on.

Here are the progressive evil D’s in order:

1. Disappointment
2. Discouragement
3. Depression
4. Despondency
5. Despair

Disappointment, if left undelt with, will inevitably lead to
discouragement, then to depression, then to despondency, and then
on to despair. It’s in despair where people have lost all hope
and could eventually commit suicide.

Friends, if you are still feeling disappointed, or even
discouraged from dashed expectations in 2004, let me encourage
you. God is in complete control and He knows right where you are.

If you have been born again you are a child of the Most High God
and He wants to take care of you. Jesus said, “Take no thought
for your life.” (Matthew 6:25) and “Be anxious for nothing.”
(Philippians 4:6)

God doesn’t want you to worry. He wants you to trust Him because
He has a perfect plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11) Yes, we are
to plan our way but the outcome is totally in God’s hands.
(Proverbs 16:9)

Remember, discouragement is nothing more than dashed
expectations. Don’t put too much expectation on anything or
anyone. People and things are fallible. Only God is infallible.
Trust Him with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding for He makes all things work together for your good
according to His purpose for your life. (Proverbs 3:5, Romans
8:28)

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This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of PrayWay. It is provided for informational purposes only. As always, weigh everything with the Word of God, which is the only inerrant source of information.