One of the tremendous privileges I’ve had as a believer in Jesus was serving as an official chaplain for athletes competing in the Olympic Games. Ministering inside the Olympic Village was exciting, but it presented unique challenges. Many times I struggled to find the right words to say as I sat with medal contenders who—away from the glare of spectators and cameras—broke down in tears following disappointing performances.
Losing is difficult. No one wants to experience defeat, especially when we’ve made great sacrifices and exerted strenuous effort to excel. Ultimately, however, we can respond to loss by seeking God’s wisdom and courage to proceed in a manner that brings Him glory. The bitter alternative is to blame God and go our own separate way. (Personally, I’ve responded both ways on different occasions and can attest, the latter is a miserable way to go.)
In 2 Chronicles 14–17, there’s a gripping tale of a father and son, King Asa and King Jehoshaphat, and their respective walks with God. The father, Asa, had run a remarkable race for the Lord until the final 2 years of his 41-year-reign. Sadly, within sight of the finish line, Asa’s faith faltered. At that point, even when he developed a serious foot disease, the king who had once walked with God “did not seek the Lord’s help” (2 Chronicles 16:12).
King Jehoshaphat chose not to repeat his father’s grievous mistakes. Instead, Jehoshaphat was “deeply committed to the ways of the Lord” all the days of his life (2 Chronicles 17:6). And “the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years” (2 Chronicles 17:3).
How about you? Will you let losses prompt you to turn your back on God, or will you choose to seek Him even in your disappointment?
More:
How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! (Proverbs 16:16).
Next:
Go to God and tell Him about a loss you’ve experienced. What does His Word tell you about how He views you despite the disappointing outcome?
pjack4 on October 29, 2010 at 8:22 am
Thank you so much for todays post. In these last two days I have fought with a disappointing lost, and have lashed out at God, I pray he will forgive me. For I know he loves me, But I turned my focus on what was happening around me and not on Him to bring me through. Now I am filled with guilt and shame for lashing out in this way. Please pray with me that God will see my heart and know I really do love Him. Pray He will bring me through this storm.
Thank you again
Daren on October 29, 2010 at 8:49 am
pjack4, I’d recently lost my job and found another that was perfect however, after interviewing and being offered the job, the employer had to rescind. Yes, I was devestated and I was so close to blaming God and being mad @ Him. Then I prayed and told Him that my joy isn’t and shouldn’t be predicated on a job but, on Him. I asked for forgiveness for even thinking about blaming Him for that. I will pray that you will come through the storm.
bstewart126 on October 29, 2010 at 9:37 am
The past 22 years has been very trying and difficult in my life. I’m in a bad marriage and I had turned to substance abuse in an attempt not to deal with the reality of it. After marital infidelity, a child outside of our marriage and other unspeakable things, I was blaming god and myself for my bad choices. And yes my husband is a christian as presented to me. But, I didn’t blame God very long and repented. I’ve known the lord for a long time and I refused to believe he was the cause of my chaos because he’s not the author of confusion. First, I’m powerless over what other people choose to do, but I can control my reactions with Gods help. And, I don’t have to accept unacceptable behavior. I’ve been to rehab and I will have 2 years clean and sober in January by God’s grace and mercy. I’ve put “all” of my life in Gods hands because he can do exceedingly more than I can ever do. Once I surrendered the truth to God, I do see the death of my marriage. It’s probably been that way for awhile, I just chose not to accept reality. Anyway, my life is in God’s hands and I live one day at a time. He will guide me on the right path. God is my greatest asset and if nothing else I hope my story can encourage someone else to put all their hope and trust in the Lord and never people.
Chris on October 29, 2010 at 10:58 am
Wow. Thank you for the wonderful devotion article.
I’ve been storing up my bitter emotions due the great disappointment of rejection from a scholarship, after two whole months of interviews, I was at the final assessment. I thought, this is how the Lord would provide for me, but it turned out it wasn’t. I’ve been lost, trying to work and earn the money to pay tuition fees.
But now I realized, it’s not all about human effort, it’s about faith. I’m running back to Him tonight, and I know in all thing’s God works for the good. I’m sure the things I’m going through will be turned to good soon.
Thanks again for the encouraging article. God Bless.
lyndygayle on October 29, 2010 at 11:18 am
I so appreciate this devotional as well as the comments made by other Christians working out their faith too. I am blessed by the stories of how others fight to trust and love God despite life’s changes. I frequently print out and give copies to my clients as encouragement. I just wanted to say thank you to those who labor over the devotionals and to my fellow overcomers that comment.
tom felten on October 29, 2010 at 1:34 pm
lyndygayle, it’s so good hearing from you and all our community members. Some of us have the privilege of “laboring over the devotionals,” but all of us are simply using what God has allowed us to learn and go through to grow our own faith and to strengthen others’ faith in Jesus. Today’s post has resulted in some amazing and inspiring comments. May God be glorified as we all continue to seek Him and His ways!
Invisible on October 29, 2010 at 2:13 pm
I have always blamed God for everything “bad” that has taken place in my life, often without even thinking about it. It just occured to me that I don’t believe I have ever given God credit for anything good that’s taken place. I was asked a really thought provoking question recently. It’s still on my mind. The question was ” …when was the last time you heard someone go through a tragedy and blame it on Satan … ? ”
I keep coming across similar questions, so I think I’m meant to hear it. I’m going to really make an effort not to blame God and turn my back.
Rebecca on October 29, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I agree that it is difficult to accept any form of rejection in life. I have been looking for a job since February and have not been successful. I just went for an interview last Wednesday and have not received an update on the outcome. Because of the past interviews were not successful, and I have lost faith in God and myself.
Somehow, at the back of my head keep telling me that God is faithful and he will reward us in due time. Faith is something we can’t see or touch. We must BELIEVE in God that He cares for us. Let’s pray for each other that we will not defeat and let our friend Satan has his victory. We must press on. PUSH (Pray until something happen).
AManofGod on November 1, 2010 at 4:36 pm
God has a unique way of steering us back to Him. When we put other things before Him he gets jealous….as a Loving God would! HE should be our first thought in the morning and our lasy at the day’s end. I was in a situation where I put the love of a woman before God…and He did not like that. I have found that after leaving that abusive relationship God still loves me and took me back! Trust in God for your needs….no man or woman can fulfill you the way He can. It took me 22 years to find this out but thank God I did!