Overcoming Discouragement, Pt. 5

I have noticed in those moments where we do not understand, the temptation is to question God and even become angry with Him. God can handle that.

Overcoming Discouragement, Pt. 5

"Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.'"

(John 11:21-22)

A friend of mine, Alan, who lives in Oklahoma, sent me a message Charles Stanley preached years ago on what we have been discussing this week. His message was based on John 11 and entitled, "Looking Beyond our Disappointments". I listened to this message and was blessed by it and will share some of the highlights with you today.

In John 11, we read the story of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. They sent a messenger to Jesus and told Him Lazarus was sick. The message did not say to come quickly or speak a word of healing. John 11:3 says, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." They assumed He would do something then, but Jesus did not show up until four days later. Lazarus had already died. In John 11:21, Martha said, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." She was hurt, and as a human being, she had angry thoughts. The reality is, we all get disappointed and hurt.

I have noticed in those moments where we do not understand, the temptation is to question God and even become angry with Him. God can handle that, by the way. He loves us, and He is always good, no matter what. We can either lean into Him or pull away from Him in times of despair. I love Martha's next statement recorded in John 11:22, "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."

How do we respond when disappointments come our way? Stanley offers these principles that will help:

God has a purpose for allowing the disappointments in our lives. He has a plan for our good. Do not get stalled or derailed in the midst of these hard times. I had a friend who used to say in hard times do not miss what God is trying to show you.
God is more interested in our spiritual growth than relieving us of disappointments. In verse 22, Martha spoke to Jesus, and said, "even now". These words just leapt off the page into my heart. She is hurting but has great faith in God. Her faith will be tested and tried in the fire. Jesus wanted to teach her to trust Him: "No matter what you see, know, or hear, trust Me."
Disappointments do not mean God does not love us. He allows the pain, but He has a purpose in mind. He is growing us spiritually. He will turn it around to something good, but do not let your mind wander to thoughts of, "If You loved me..." When you are hurting and in pain, it may be hard to feel His love. It is good to remember that we go not by feelings but rather by facts. He has demonstrated His love for us most explicitly in giving His only Son to die on the cross in our place for our sins.
Faith that God is in control will enable us to endure every disappointment in life. We are not victims but are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
Peace will prevail when we learn to wait on the Lord. Pain and grief will replace the disappointment, and there will be peace because you have faith in God.

My favorite Christian song right now is "Good Plans" by Red Rocks. I encourage you to go here and listen and read the lyrics based on Psalm 23. You will be blessed and your spirit lifted out of disappointment into hope.

I hope you have been encouraged by this week's devotions. Thank you for your prayers and support for our DFEA ministry. If you want to know more about our ministry, please visit dfea.com.