A preacher known for inspiration spoke recently of disappointment, failure, and discouragement.
When we feel that, we have to know that God is working behind the scenes — that He may have a bigger plan for you than what you realize, than what you designed: that when someone or something is taken from your life it may be because it was not serving the cause of your spiritual development (and mission).
John Paul II said, “Be not afraid.” We could also say, “Be not depressed.” Its wellspring is darkness.
For God works wonders in “failures” — when we trust in Him. There is no down if we always are looking up.
If you look back at disappointments, even “tragedies,” you may see a pattern; you may see how it all came to be; how without that disappointment or that loss or that failure, you would not have met those who are now family or close friends or have the job or vocation or abode you now have.
God takes you to new, higher (though not necessarily wealthier) levels.
Let Him work, and everything will work for your good.
New doors. New friendships.
What looks like the end is often a new beginning — no matter your age.
God doesn’t retire you from your destiny.
You do.
No matter the storm, God can right your ship and put it back on course.
No matter where you are or go, God is there.
Often, when what we have is not in His design, it rots and falls; bad fruit is taken away; the tree is pruned. This only goes to a healthier plant.
If you only knew how He is fighting battles for you.
“Bad” things often have to happen for your development, for you to get back in the right direction, for you to head for your right destination.
What seemed like an utter, devastating disaster to Saint Joseph — his fiancée pregnant! — turned out to be an event greater and holier and purer than any in human history.
Could Joseph ever have imagined what God was going to work in his simple difficult life?
Drink the water God gives you — the living waters of Heaven — not the turbidity of the “world.”
And always remember that God can step in when they tell you bad news, He can heal when they tell you you’re sick, He can draw you out of loneliness to a life of abundant friendships.
Don’t get down on yourself. Don’t accept the “evil report.”
Let the Lord connect the dots (and Mary untie the knots).
Forge ahead at each turn in life and remember that God can always intervene, can always do something awesome — and unexpected — in your life, even at the midnight hour, if you let Him.
