Kneemail October 2023-From Sunny Florida: Embracing Faith Through Life’s Disappointments
Good Morning, Praying Friend!
September is just wrapping up—it seems to have flown by! Here in sunny, humid Florida, there’s a very slight change in the morning air—almost as if you can sense fall trying to push the heat out of the way! It was 72 degrees when I left my home yesterday morning. So, in anticipation of a cool morning, I rolled my window down, and suddenly, I felt sticky, humid air. I asked Siri, “What’s the humidity level?” in a fraction of a second, 99% humidity appeared on my watch. 99% Yikes! I rolled the window back up, turned up the air conditioning, and laughed. Ah, the humidity!
When we have expectations, they can often be followed by disappointments…when we still need to gather all the facts or consider all the surrounding circumstances. Or, remember that people often will let us down. Ah, the humanity!
This is why, if we are Christ followers, we rely on a Father with our best interests—life here and in the hereafter—in mind. Now, that is easier said than done, right? Of course.
God’s word addresses disappointment in diverse ways. His word acknowledges that disappointment is a part of life and that we will sometimes experience it. However, it also offers hope and encouragement amid disappointment. Scripture reminds us that God is faithful, even when circumstances are not.
It encourages us to trust in God’s plans and to have faith that all things work together for good for those who love Him. The Bible also teaches us to find strength in our weaknesses and seek comfort in God’s presence.
The book of James is probably my favorite book in the Bible. James 1, verses 1–4, is a powerful reminder of our humanity:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Ultimately, the message of Christ is one of hope and redemption, even in the face of disappointment. Wherever in the world you may be reading this, as the seasons change, I hope you get a moment to roll down the window, hop on a bicycle, or take a walk on a gorgeous morning and soak in His deep love for you.
Sharing His Wonder,
P.S. Check out the fantastic resources we created for ministry leaders in the last six months—all free. Thank you for your continued support as we impact communities for Christ! Here’s the link.
