Few joys surpass that of a soldier and a family reunited after an extended deployment. And few things exceed the disappointment of such a hope deferred. Imagine the scathing disappointment of a battalion that received orders to another spot in the war zone for an additional 3 months—less than 48 hours before they were to return home!

The story of Jacob is deep with disappointment. In love with his boss’s daughter Rachel, Jacob agreed to work 7 years for the right to marry her. But after holding up his end of the bargain, he got a wedding night surprise. In the morning he discovered not Rachel but her less attractive sister Leah in his bed! (Genesis 29:22-25). Disappointed—furious, actually—Jacob agreed to work an additional 7 years for Rachel.

What about Leah’s disappointment? Her father had resorted to treachery to get her married off to a man who didn’t love her. And don’t forget Rachel’s disappointment. For years, she had waited for her fiancé to finish his work and marry her.

Disappointment is the way of life. Altered plans disappoint us. People disappoint us. If we’re honest, we might even admit sometimes God disappoints us. Psalm 37 contains a promise: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires” (v.4). Then why do so many godly people live with disappointment? The verse is taken out of context. Read the entire psalm. The psalmist took a long view, noting how the wicked will receive justice in due time. He advised, “Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you by giving you the land” (v.34).

For Jacob, for Rachel, for Leah, the result was the nation of Israel. It was through Leah’s son Judah that God blessed the world with Jesus the Messiah— the One who will never disappoint us.