How to handle disappointment (2)

Sun, 14 Aug 2022

‘When I waited for light, then came darkness.’ Job 30:26

When you’re disappointed in leadership. It would be reasonable to assume you could trust Eli, the high priest in Israel. That’s what Samuel’s mother thought when she entrusted her son to him, confident he would mentor him for God’s service. But Eli had a serious character flaw. He was a weak parent, one who stood by while his sons abused their priestly privileges through taking bribes and consorting with prostitutes. Who would have blamed young Samuel for taking a nosedive, when the man he looked up to failed so badly?

But no, he fielded his disappointment and kept his eyes on God: ‘Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him.’ (1 Samuel 3:19 KJV) As a result, he became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. How do you handle disappointment in your leader? By keeping your eyes on the Lord!

When you’re disappointed in your family. Ask Joseph. When God gave him a vision of future success, he thought his brothers would rejoice. Instead they responded with resentment, selling him into slavery. Far from friends and home, he languished in prison for years for a crime he didn’t commit. What an invitation to bitterness, to rehash the wrongs done to you while plotting your revenge. But if Joseph had done that, he would have died an unknown convict in a foreign prison. Instead, he allowed God to vindicate him. And—ultimately—God will do that for you, too. ‘No weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from Me. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ (Isaiah 54:17 NLT)