Blessing In Disguise

Have you ever been through a knock-down-drag-out? This is what it feels like when we work so hard for something and it doesn't happen, or at least that's how I think it feels. When all the effort and late nights don't pay off, what then? The initial defeat is crushing, and it may come with a few tears. That's alright, let them come. After they dry and you wipe your eyes, you have to get up and keep going and keep trying.

There have been times in my life, both in past and present, when I have found myself in this empty space. All my efforts given, I am left tired and haggard with no reward. That sucks, to be blunt. Thankfully, this not being my first rodeo with disappointment, I like to think I have learned a thing or two.

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When I recently experienced this feeling after a long spout of nonstop-giving-it-my-all, I knew God had a better plan despite my frustration. I knew that meant I was being called somewhere different than I had originally planned. As I thought about what this meant, Jonah came to mind. Usually when we hear the story of Jonah the whale tends to take the spotlight, but not this time. This time I thought about Jonah's anger and the lesson he eventually learned from it. God gave him a direction, but he had his own plans. We see in Jonah 1 that God gave him clear direction, "But Jonah ran away from the Lord..." (Jonah 1:3, NIV). I didn't want my story to be this way. While there have absolutely been times I have run from God's calling and into my own path, I eventually ended up right where God wanted me, just with a lot more pain and tears. This round, I knew I wanted to be different.

One of my favorite parts of this story is in chapter two, where Jonah writes,

"In my distress I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,

and you listened to my cry" (Jonah 2: 2).

Although Jonah was inside the whale due to his own disobedience, he still called out to God and God listened. Sometimes our circumstances are our own fault, and sometimes they aren't, but how we respond to them is always in our control. So when we receive news we had not hoped for or are being led in a direction we don't want, we can be reminded by Jonah's story that God's plan is always good.

All of this to say, be encouraged when God closes a door you hoped He'd swing wide open, because that means He has something greater for you than you had planned. Redirection isn't always a bad thing. I have come to learn that while often confusing and hurtful, it is a blessing in disguise. Due to Jonah's (eventual) obedience, God spared the nation of Ninevah and "He relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened" (Jonah 3:10, NIV).

We see a similar blessing in Jonah's story in the book of Genesis. Through no fault of his own, Joseph was sold into slavery and imprisoned, all the while trusting in God's plan. Eventually, he was given the chance to rule over and rescue Egypt and bring reconciliation in his family (Genesis 37-50). The road was hard and not always clear, but Joseph knew God had better for Him.

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As you sit in your own disappointment, be expectant of what God is doing and what He is capable of. Where can we obedient and allow God to use us for the sake of others? I have learned in my few years on this earth that God wastes nothing. Take this moment to bring your disappointment before God, and be honest with Him! Then open your hands and your heart and say "God, what next, lead me where you see fit."

As I write these words I am reminding myself of their truth, it is always easier said than done. Look back on His faithfulness throughout scripture and be comforted that He is with you, even when you don't know where you are going just yet.

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God, I pray that wherever You lead us, we would go willingly. Prepare our hearts for what is a head, and cleanse it of any anger or resentment. Remind us that where You are taking us may be for the sake of someone's soul. This may cost us our comfort, but it is always worth the price. I pray for the one reading this who may be in a season of disappointment or confusion. Prepare them to serve You well. In Your name, amen.