Disappointment

I received some disappointing news today. :(

I've been looking forward to an important meeting all summer, and after much prayer and preparation, one hour before I was to attend, I received a call that it had been cancelled.

Ugh.

Thankfully the man who called with the bad news was empathetic and gracious. He "affirmed and acknowledged" my disappointment, and gave me a chance to share how I was really feeling.

When was the last time you were disappointed??

I called my friend April to share the sad news. After listening to the update, she replied,

"Friend, how can we praise God in the midst of this disappointment??"

Hmmm....good question, April! (And just what I needed to keep my focus Up!)

We quickly made a list together. Grateful I received the call after the kids were at school. Thankful for the warm, caring man who made the call. Excited for the opportunity that the meeting entails. Grateful beyond measure that we can trust that God knows what He is doing (and this cancellation was not a surprise to Him). Our list went on and on...

There's an old song by Edith Lillian Young called "Disappointment–His Appointment”, based on the passage from Job 23:14— "He performeth the thing that is appointed for me.”

Here are the words:

“Disappointment–His appointment,”
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God’s better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho’ it may come in disguise
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.

“Disappointment — His appointment,”
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;

For, like loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, unquestioned,
All that from his wisdom flows.

“Disappointment –His appointment,”
“No good thing will He withhold,”
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

“Disappointment–His appointment,”
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life’s plan is Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining–
Father, “Not my will, but Thine.”

~ Edith Lillian Young

***You can print a copy of the song here

Whereas the song is not Scripture (and I don't agree completely with everything it conveys) ~ it sure ministered to me today. As did Julie, who spent the afternoon with me listening and praying (and sharing a latte ~ thank you, friend). My caring husband who had just the right words to say. The sweet woman who called to apologize and reschedule the meeting. And my dear friends who sent verses and words of encouragement my way.

Disappointment - His Appointment?? I think YES today!

When was the last time you were disappointed?

How can you praise God in the midst of your disappointment??

I'd love to hear from you!!!

Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*. God's richest blessings to you~


P.S. I'm linking up today with Jen and friends at Soli Deo Gloria. Be sure to check out this amazing sisterhood of women! :)