"A Major Lesson Learned"

  Life can beat on one and disappoint. We have been there. It seems that one thing after another comes at us and leaves us wondering why. Sometimes it could be due to an unrepentant heart that refuses to humbly yield to the Father who loves us and He is trying to get our attention. An honest examination of the the heart would solve this. However, there are those who honestly and humbly seek the face of the Lord, wanting to know Him and openly walk in the Light yet they meet such disappointment it seems at every turn.

  Here are just a few things to help us move forward in the face of disappointment:

(1) There is something the Lord is trying to grow in you and first and foremost is faith. The disappointment can be a faith building tool (Jam. 1:1-4). This should in itself help change our attitude.

(2) Do not look at the disappointment but look to the Lord allowing Him to lead you forward in His paths of righteousness. Too much focus on the disappointment only creates self-pity which eventually will drown you.

(3) When anxiety enters over something, stress is soon to follow. Both are destructive to the soul. We need to apply diligently Phil. 4:6-7. (By the way when we are told not to "be anxious for nothing" that is not an option but a command.)

(4) Seek out the Lord Jesus Christ. Put your heart and faith on Him which means you need some serious time listening to His word.

(5) Grow in the faith of giving. That's right. When most are going through a difficulty, giving is the last thing they think about. Giving puts others needs ahead of your own which is Christ in you. Didn't Jesus give the night of His betrayal?

(6) Spend more personal time in prayer, fervent prayer. Not just while you're going through the difficulty but when things are on track. Prayer is a vital communication with the Lord. 

  From all my years of dealing with so many different ones in many different situations, I have come to a major conclusion from God's word. There are too many who are lazy and undisciplined in their lives to really live in Christ Jesus. Timothy was told that God gave us a spirit of power, love and discipline (II Tim. 1:7). Let's take time to live, really live in Christ even when things aren't the best.