Dealing with Disappointment

“...she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream...” Matthew 1:18-20

It’s in times of great disappointment that we discover God’s higher purpose for our lives. Joseph found this to be true. Once his engagement to Mary became official, he was faced with the greatest of disappointments.

Their engagement was to be time of preparation for the future, but it was cruelly interrupted when Mary came to him bearing news that seemed impossible and unthinkable. She was pregnant, and he was not the father. His heart felt as though it had been kicked by the strongest force on earth.

What would he do? Later that night he tried to sleep as the voice of an angel saturated his soul. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus...” Matthew 1:20-21

In disappointment Joseph refused to become bitter. And through his obedience, God worked to accomplish a higher purpose.

When disappointment strikes, ask God to show you His purpose for allowing the hurt. Then pray that He will give you the strength and wisdom to continue. Make it a goal to be a reflection of His love and grace on earth.