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Disappointment In Waiting


 "You're going to shoot your eye out, kid!" Every year I find great delight in this Christmas story. We watch as Ralphy goes to his father and asks for something that his heart desires greatly. Then we laugh as we watch Ralphy consistently pursue his heart's desire, only to constantly be disappointed again and again. In the end, we celebrate with Ralphy as his father gives him what he wanted most of all, and vicariously experience this happiness.

Many of us have wanted something from the Father. We prayed for a job, financial help, healing, a change, and even for a child. We excitedly blurt it out to our Father with a wide smile on our face, but we don't get an answer right away. Just like Ralphy had to wait until Christmas to see that his asking was not in vain, we often have to wait until the time when God, our Father, reveals an answer to us. In the midst of the waiting, we can often become disappointed. For me, every month that it looks like my wife is pregnant, and then she is not, brings on a wave of disappointment, that can often lead to despair. 

So how do we get through this time of waiting without allowing the disappointment we feel to overwhelm us? Philippians 4:6-7 states that we are to be "anxious for nothing" when we pray. I am still learning how to do this, and growing in this area because I tend to worry when nothing changes for a long time in a certain area. So, how can I overcome the disappointment? What I must do is think about all the times that God has provided not just my needs, but also my heart's desires. I must see what He has done in order to continue to believe in what He can do. 

I pray that God would help you to overcome your disappointment in waiting by helping you to remember all of His consistent goodness. 

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