Commit to Memory: “David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth” 2 Samuel 12:16.

The Lord uses discouragement and disappointments to make us depend and trust him and of course to   reveal hidden issues that are hindering His work and will.

So don’t let people squeeze you into their own mould, refuse to be used as a tissue paper feeling hopeless and irrelevant after use by men. Don’t resign that job because of that boss of yours who disappointed and betrayed your trust and the integrity you had for him or her. Don’t quit your dreams because of people, refuse to be disrupted by the dreams of others, immediately disappointment knocks at your door- press the delete button, always remember that the worst moments are usually followed by the most beautiful silver linings, so stay strong, organized, focused and encouraged- you will get there.

In today’s storyline commit to memory, when kings usually go to war, David sent Joab his captain to battle while he stayed back in Jerusalem and because he was idle he got caught up in lust which ended in adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah- he orchestrated his death at the fierce battle front. This lustful union resulted in her pregnancy. But then the Almighty God forgave him; however, there were consequences for this sin. So David married Bathsheba, but was plunged into unfathomable discouragement and disappointment when he heard that the seed of that adultery was plagued sick by the Lord and eventually died. See the reaction of David in 2 Samuel 12:20, 22-23

“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

Now despite the death of the child, instead of dwelling on his discouragement and disappointment and despite his prayers and fasting, David got up from lying on the ground and began to sustain himself with food. He successfully put the past behind him and moved forward by holding on to the forgiveness of God. He was able to take off the garments of mourning, and bring comfort to his household. He refused to be discouraged and disappointed. Do you want to be great? Then be ready for disappointments and discouragement.

Reflection: Disappointments are meant to strengthen your faith and to make you trust and look only to God, not to discourage or destroy you.

Prayer Lines: Father, in difficult moments give me grace to trust you and look away from man.