We all face disappointments in life. How can we trust God when they happen? Cole guides us in truth to do just that.

Scripture

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Reflect

Not making the team, the loss of a pet, trouble in relationships, poor test scores, losing a job, death of a loved one…disappointment is a part of our lives in this fallen world.  The great news is we have a hope and a future directed by our Lord!  That truth doesn’t guarantee it will always be easy, but I love that we can go to our playbook (aka God’s Word, the Bible).    

1. Faith – In Jeremiah we see the Lord has plans for us…we have to trust He has our best in mind.  He tells us His plans are to prosper us and for us to have hope and a future.  Even when times are tough we must trust in our Lord’s sovereignty and rest in His control!
2. Fellowship – God didn’t call us to live this life alone.  He tells us He will not ever leave us or forsake us so we can take that to the bank.  The other thing He tells us is that we are to gather a team around us who builds us up and helps us through tough times.  Check out Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
3. Forge Ahead – What now?  How do we move on?  One of the things I love to tell my kids when dropping them off for school or as they walk out the door for anything is to, “…be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for the Lord your God will be with you”.  That is how we move on. And the great thing is…we know the Lord goes with us. 

God never promised us a bed of roses or that disappointment would not come…actually it’s quite the opposite.  He tells us there will be trials and that this world is imperfect…the great news is He goes with us and we can have confidence in that! 

Camper Corner

What’s tough right now?  What’s your latest disappointment?  How did you respond?  Prepare yourself to react to tough stuff bringing honor and glory to our Lord!