A new friend asked me if I was a Dallas Cowboys fan to which I responded, “Yes, I am, and yes I am used to disappointment.” Sometimes, we get our hopes and expectations up just to have them come crashing down.
Years ago, I had an opportunity for a promotion. This of course meant more responsibility, better pay, and a bit of an ego boost for me. After my interview, I received positive feedback from the interview panel. My co-workers also commented on how I was the best person for the job and a shoe-in for the promotion. Needless to say I was feeling pretty good.
Lo and behold, a few days later I was informed that in fact I was not selected for promotion. Furthermore, that I would be training the person that had received my promotion. To say that I was disappointed is an understatement. I felt humiliated, mistreated, and resentful. I became angry and my attitude deteriorated for the worse. I felt like I was treated unfairly so I started acting like a victim and became bitter towards everyone at work and home.
They say, “hindsight is 20/20” and there is truth in that statement. Looking back at my life now I can see how God worked things together for good and how he is conforming me into the image of Christ. You see, I thought I knew better and when things didn’t turn out the way I wanted. I became angry and bitter. No one wanted to be around that guy, not even myself.
A couple of weeks later, my newly promoted supervisor arrived for work and training. I mustered what little dignity that I had left and began showing my new boss the ropes. We worked together for about a year and became not only good co-workers, but great friends. On my last day on the job my new friend gave me a little book called a Survival Guide for Life. It contained a variety of Scriptures that spoke to many circumstances in life. This one spoke to me.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
I did not understand what that verse meant until many years later. I was promoted to a new job right here in San Saba, Tx. I loved my job but, I’m no longer working there. I met people there that were Christians and they invited me to church and some visited my home and shared the good news of Jesus Christ with my family and I. We made a decision to follow Jesus.
I now have the privilege of working for the Lord. Looking back I can see God’s hand at work in my life. God had a better plan than I could have ever imagined. His purpose for my life was to love Him and to serve Him and to love others. I could not see that then because I was focused on my own desires and looking for fulfillment in things other than God. I’m not sure where I would be now if I had gotten my way.
His plans do not always align with our plans, but when we trust Him to direct our lives we can rest assured that His plan for our lives is always better than our plans. So keep trusting Him even when you do not understand. Especially, in times of disappointment. Go Cowboys!