God Does Not Disappoint

I had waited for a decision that would directly affect my life in major ways. I began to look forward to the changes that would occur when the months of waiting were over. More than that, though, I looked to the Lord. His will would be perfect no matter what the outcome would be.

One Monday morning, I received the anticipated phone call. The answer was "No." The opportunity I had dreamed about would not be offered.

I hung up the phone wondering if my spirit would fall after learning that these months of anticipation were answered with God's "No." Suddenly, I was amazed to be filled with overwhelming joy. My daughter came into the room and, while telling her about the phone call, I was so overcome by joy that tears began to flow. 

When an apology was offered a few days later, I could honestly say, "I'm not disappointed. I was hoping in God, not in you."

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed" (Isaiah 49:23). We can think we're hoping in God, but when the outcome is not what we anticipated, our faith is tested. We can check to see if our faith is in God alone by considering how we would feel if our answer is not what we envision.

Sometimes God may delay His answer to allow our faith to grow. We may think that quick answers to prayer deepens our faith, but faith grows more during times of trusting His promises while refusing to doubt. 

The more we cling to our faith, the stronger our confidence in His faithfulness will become. 

Jesus, please give me discernment to know when my hope is in something or someone other than You.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love" (Psalm 33:18).