Hey Friends –
I received disappointing news today.
As you know, I’ve been looking forward with much excitement to the release of Red Hot Faith this August 2013.
The study guide has gone to the designer. I’ve been working with the publicist on endorsements and press kits and lining up interviews. The marketing team designed the cutest red-hot buttons, and I’ve had a blast passing them out with a QR code to pre-order my new Bible study. Yay!
Unfortunately I received an unexpected call today from a leader of the video production team.
They’ve decided to change direction with the videos. They’d like to capture more footage of me teaching live with women. The release date has pushed back until Spring 2014.
Did you catch that – next Spring…over one year away?!
Ugh.
Thankfully the man who called with the bad news was empathetic and gracious. He “affirmed and acknowledged” my disappointment, and gave me a chance to share how I was really feeling.
To be honest: it stinks.
I hate getting phone calls that change everything.
I don’t like changing plans one bit. I’m tired of getting my hopes up about something, only for them to come crashing down…again.
When was the last time you were disappointed?
However, I must admit, this time I’m amazingly peace-filled.
I’m grateful for my early morning time in prayer, and that my mind is filled with scripture. I sense, in some weird way, that God had divinely orchestrated my schedule knowing today is the day I would receive “the call.”
I thought about another time I received bad news. I had called my friend April, and after listening to the sad update, she replied,
“Friend, how can we praise God in the midst of this disappointment?”
April, I made another list today.
- I’m grateful I received the call after the kids were at school.
- I’m thankful to be a part of such a Christ-centered, excellent team.
- I’m excited for the new opportunity that this change entails.
- I’m super thankful for the compassionate publishing leader that spoke powerful words of Truth over me.
- I’m thankful for my mentor Mary who said, “Cindy, I’m so proud of you. You are responding with such graciousness. This just testifies you have been healed in so many ways.” Yay, God!
- I’m grateful beyond measure that we can trust that God knows what He is doing (and this cancellation was not a surprise to Him). My list went on and on…
There’s an old song by Edith Lillian Young called “Disappointment–His Appointment”, based on the passage from Job 23:14— “He performeth the thing that is appointed for me.”
Here are the words:
“Disappointment–His appointment,”
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God’s better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho’ it may come in disguise
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.
“Disappointment — His appointment,”
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, like loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, unquestioned,
All that from his wisdom flows.
“Disappointment –His appointment,”
“No good thing will He withhold,”
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold.
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
“Disappointment–His appointment,”
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life’s plan is Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining–
Father, “Not my will, but Thine.” —Edith Lillian Young
Whereas the song is not Scripture (and I don’t agree completely with everything it conveys)—it ministered to me again today. As did my caring husband who had just the right words to say (and picked up Mexican for dinner). And my mom and dear praying friends who sent verses and words of encouragement my way.
Disappointment – His Appointment?
I think YES today!
When was the last time you were disappointed?
How can you praise God in the midst of your disappointment? I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*, my friend. God’s richest blessings to you!
I think you know what our faithful God has taught me……excuse me…..is still teaching me: To “Be still……and KNOW…….that I AM GOD”. Psa. 46:10.
This scripture rings true over & over again. Also read Matt. 7:11. His timing and His will are perfect. They are more than we could ever think or imagine! Love to you with prayers of peace, Pat
I wonder how many times I have to tell myself this as my hsb falls for ANOTHER CON MAN because he says he is JUST A CHRISTIAN.
Ok- I realize you are disappointed BUT I’d LOVE if I (and a couple of my friends from the retreat) could be part of the “teaching live with women”…we’d behave, we’ll, for the most part :). Hugs my dear cuz God’s got it covered!!!
sometimes my disappointments are small, first-world kinds of things like my favorite sweater being dirty. but others, like my son not chosen for campus band or bad news for my cousin’s health or a student who had been doing so well getting in major trouble at lunch, can really bring me down. so i do just what you do – make a list of the thankfuls. because i am blessed. beyond. measure.
I am so sorry for the disappointment, friend. But, I am with you — God is up to something bigger and better than we could ever dream. Love you.
I know how disappointing that is because I was really looking forward to it this summer. But just think how adding a real audience will really authenticate the message and who knows how many more women will be ministered just by that aspect of it. What you are doing is God’s work and there’s no doubt his hand is all over this project. I will be patient and pray for you as you share this study live and that many women will be changed.