This past weekend Jack and I were at a conference for a few days. We knew it would be good, and it certainly did not disappoint. And speaking of disappointment, now would be the perfect time to share a personal revelation that came out of those days. But, before I do let me say that I was expectant going into this conference. My expectation was that I would be hearing from the Lord, and true to His Word, God never disappoints.
Let me start by saying that I don’t walk around afraid because I trust in God, and I know that I can depend on Him 100 percent of the time. Honestly, that trust in God has developed within me a deep assurance in His ability to keep me safe. But, I was asked a question that uncovered something a bit different.
When I was asked if I feared being disappointed my answer was no, but then I explained the reason behind my no, and my response surprised the individual asking the question. What I said was that I don’t fear disappointment because I have learned to position myself for success. Upon reflection that sure sounds like a fear of being disappointed to me!
Making choices that we know will lead to success are not wrong. I like to imagine that I know myself pretty well and therefore I know where my gifts and talents will make the most impact. This question revealed another issue for me, an issue that may not be one that prevents me from doing things that I want to do, but it may prevent me from doing ALL that I have been called to do. If this sounds like you, then maybe you have a fear of disappointment as well, and I am sure we are not alone.
Disappointment is really not the issue. It is the fear of disappointment that is really the root, and although none of us want to be disappointed, fear changes it up quite a bit.
Fear of any kind is unwelcome when you want to live in the fullness of your inheritance. The inheritance that comes to all who believe on Jesus and His saving grace will not share its glory with fear. Fear is not a friend even under the best circumstances and it definitely is no friend to a follower of Jesus. It is that constant spirit of manipulation that works overtime to keep us focused on it, and not on the promises of God.
My encounter at the Encounter Conference brought healing to me in this area of disappointment, as my encounter was with a hidden truth about myself. After this revelation I made a declaration to myself. I never will allow fear to be the reason I don’t pursue or engage in areas that may stretch me, or are unknown to me at the present time.
I believe that more opportunities will come when we allow ourselves the freedom to dive into new areas without the forethought of fear. We just need to realize that in this life there will be disappointment, there will be moments when fear tries to keep us from entering into our promised land, but we need to tell fear to get out! I am ready to take back ground that I have let slide, ground that is mine and always was mine.
In the near future when you see me in a place that surprises you, don’t be. Just know that I have moved beyond any fear of being disappointed, or any fear of failure, and I am entering into wherever God calls me. I may be stretched but I know that stretching is good and it keeps us limber and flexible.
Galatians 5:1 CSB For freedom, Christ sets us free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.