Tag Archives: disappointment

Persevering Through Disappointment – Kathy Cheek
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Disappointment - Discouragement

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Something hurt me. My initial reaction was deep disappointment, so I asked God to protect my heart and to not let it discourage me.

I fell asleep with that prayer on my lips and awoke with a lighter heart and a genuinely carefree attitude. I felt the victory of not succumbing to disappointment’s strong sway. There was a new and welcome lightness in my heart and I whispered to myself, “It’s as if there is a shield around me, and God is protecting my heart. I feel it. I shouldn’t feel this good after experiencing that kind of hurt, but I do. I know this is the Lord meeting my need, encouraging me as only He can.”

I was grateful for this answer to prayer. I’ve not always won this battle over disappointment, but God was teaching me through each experience that I shouldn’t let it stop me. I shouldn’t let the negative circumstances cause me defeat.

Paul understood what disappointment and hardship was and with each brush of frustration, he forged ahead, rejoicing every step. He never let his circumstance tie him down. What an example of perseverance and determination.

Don’t let disappointment become a repeating message in your mind and never let it stop you. There are lessons to be learned from these experiences and there is growth that must take place. Your ego may get bruised and doubt may make you feel incapable. But you aren’t.

When you feel like disappointment will tear you down and wear you out…become strong through endurance and learn this is a life experience that helps you grow and mature. Choose to persevere through disappointment and let God build a strong character and heart that will bring a healthy balance to your life.

Kathy Cheek is a freelance writer with articles appearing in various Christian publications. You can read her weekly devotions on her site In Quiet Places @ www.kathycheek.com and find out about her book, First Breath of Morning. She and her husband live in Dallas, Texas and have two grown daughters who also reside in the Dallas area.

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Steadfast and Immovable – She Said
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Steadfast and Immovable

Steadfast and Immovable

Therefore​, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.  I Corinthian​s 15:58

Listen to Steadfast and Immovable – She Said

“What’s the point?” Ian said. “We’re fooled into thinking all this work we do as preachers is useful.”

“You’re saying my work for Jesus is useless?” Dale pulled his Bible under his arm.  “It is not. The call we follow is not to please men, it’s to please God. It’s not useless.”

Dale was heartbroken. Hurt. Disappointed his trusted preacher friend had brushed off the conviction he’d made four years earlier.

Ian was a preacher’s kid and from the first time the Bible college choir came to present a program at their church, Ian decided that’s what he wanted to do – go to Bible college and become a worship leader. Now, four years after his graduation, he’d brushed off his position on the church staff and walked away.

Too many young men and women go to Bible college with good intentions and walk away a few years later disappointed and broken. Whether they face congregations who refuse to move the church ahead or an inner challenge to their own belief, more and more ministerial recipients change their profession. According to The Fuller Institute, George Barna, and Pastoral Care Inc., 1700 ministers left the ministry every month last year. 80% of pastors and 84% of their spouses felt unqualified and discouraged in the role of a minister. Discouraged . . . it makes one wonder if Ian had a point.

If anyone understood discouragement it was Paul. The guy found himself in the pit of a prison as much as he found himself in the sunshine. Still, never once did Paul feel his work was in vain. He knew what he did was not the work of man, but of God. Armed with that understanding, Paul was “immoveable and always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Over and over he reminded others to rejoice in the situation they were in. Be steadfast and courageous.

I’m sure he probably felt a little frustrated at times when folks refused to make changes (he was human), but Paul forged ahead knowing he was doing exactly what God wanted and expected of him . . . knowing his efforts would be used to further the kingdom.

Accepting the call to serve does not promise a pat on the back or an award for stick-to-it-tiveness but is never in vain. God uses every seed we plant on His behalf. This weekend we’re teaching writers to advance in the charge God has given them. Will their path be easy? Nope. But it is always well worth the effort.

When you feel your efforts in Christ are worthless think of Paul and his persistence to spread the word. Be steadfast and immoveable. God will nurture the seeds you plant.

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Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and cofounders of ChristianDevotions.us. They cowrite the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host Blog Talk Radio’s Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! along with Scott McCausey. Eddie and Cindy travel and speak at conferences across the country and they are available to speak at your church or conference. Contact them at cindy@christiandevotions.us.

 

 

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