As each of us takes a look at the disappointments we have experienced in life, we can get discouraged and fell like things have not gone right for us. We can focus on all the negatives–the only ifs. Or we can ask God to show us how He has been with us during the hard times. Or what we have learned from the no's in our life. And also realize that here on earth we may never get the answer to why bad things have happened to us or why our prayers have not been answered.

I share some of my experiences in the hope to show that "...all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. Notice it says to those who love God, not those who are perfect, special, or unique. All things work out for good for anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ. You may say that it is not happening for you. Yes, maybe today it is not, but ultimately it will.

Salvation
My salvation experience came to pass by being in accident. I could focus on the accident, or the fact that I came to believe there was a God who cared about me.
I wasted money and time in Amway, but through Amway I met a pastor who answered my questions about receiving Christ.

Loving the unborn
Before I was a Christian I had my girlfriend get an abortion. I then became a Christian and saw that what I did was sin. Then my wife (the previous girlfriend) got an abortion when she divorced me. That was one of the most devastating events in my life. But because of that experience I helped start a Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Moving from Alaska to Washington to Alaska
We moved to Washington to help be part of a church that was starting. It turned out that things did not go well, but just as we was getting ready to move back to Alaska, we found another church. It was the church we should have gone to, but my wife demanded we move back to Alaska. I was devastated. But years later I have now realized it would have been a terrible to be part of that church because of the turmoil that was happening.

Changing Churches
Around seven years ago I moved back to Washington to be part of the church that had turmoil. For many years it was a great experience. But then some very unfair and ungodly things happened. I left hurt, disappointed, and unhappy. But God brought me to the church I am at now, and doors of ministry have opened wide for me. The Lord knew the only way I would leave the one church was if circumstances forced me to leave. And I don't focus on the people or bad things. What matters is that I am in God's will.

Anger and three divorces
Because of the sin of control and anger in my life, I have been married and divorced three times. This has been painful to me and the women. It has broken the heart of God. But He has set me free and I am able to minister to men who have the same problems I had.

I hope by being open with my own life and mistakes that those reading this nugget will see that we can Learn from our Disappointments. Yes, they can be painful. I have been suicidal in the past because of my failures and others failures. But because of God carrying me through the trials and tribulations, I am able to face much larger obstacles and not be devastated by them. May the same be true for you.

As crazy as it seems, hope does come from experiencing tribulation.
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; [4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; [5] and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

Copyright Ó 2001 Richard D. Dover. All rights reserved.
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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations used are from the New American Standard Version (NAS).