How to Deal with Disappointing News
8,810 Views
Comments (70)
Share (87)
Print
Is Revival Coming? God Is Moving in Helene’s Aftermath
Florida Braces for Another Hurricane
Former Communist: America Is Now a Society of Madness
Peters Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Fraud Checking Efforts
How to Deal with Disappointing News
8,810 Views
Comments (70)
Share (87)
Print
I Prayed
have prayed
The results of the 2020 presidential election nearly gutted me.
My initial reaction was great sorrow. But I soon moved into other emotions.
Dismay.
Betrayal.
Anger.
I felt sure the election results were illegitimate and would be overturned in the next couple of months.
Who is praying on the wall?
As the months dragged on, I began to realize there was not going to be a Deus ex machina.
No angel from heaven to install a different administration.
No military intervention.
No relief from an administration that immediately began imposing its agenda through executive orders, staffing key agencies with radical leadership.
I and most IFA intercessors had labored long and hard in prayer for the 2020 election. I repented, prayed, decreed, and declared. Like many others, I expected a tsunami-like sweep of conservatives into office.
So the actual election results were not as I expected. They comprised a bitter disappointment — one that drove a wedge between me and the Lord.
I had expected something different — better — from Him.
Didn’t He want to stop the evil?
Didn’t He hear the remnant?
Wasn’t it true that His people humbled themselves, prayed, sought Him, and turned from their wicked ways?
What had happened?
It seems clear in the years since 2020, the Lord used this time to expose evil and to enable some perpetrators to get snared in their own plots.
While that can help explain the national picture, it didn’t do much to alleviate the initial bitterness I felt toward the Lord and toward those who had aligned with evil, casting their vote for abortionists.
I was not alone in these feelings.
I suspect I am not the only one who allowed emotions to affect his/her relationship with the Lord.
Because I was disappointed.
Because my expectations were not met.
Because I couldn’t see a way for the Lord to be glorified in the circumstances.
My situation was akin to that of the disappointed exiles thousands of years ago in Jerusalem. They had been deported to Babylon when that superpower invaded, destroying the city and the gorgeous temple King Solomon had built.
When the Persians overran the Babylonians, the new rulers returned the exiles to their land with money and a mandate to rebuild the temple.
The exiles made a valiant start, establishing an altar so daily sacrifices and worship could resume, but they soon ran into local opposition.
The locals were a mix of people from other nations that the Babylonians had settled there. The group intermingled with some Jewish settlers who had remained in the land and ultimately became the Samaritans.
In addition to facing hostile inhabitants, the exiles also were distracted by the difficulty of making a go of things in Judea. So they abandoned the temple building project for 15 years or so.
But the Lord wanted that temple built.
He sent the prophet Haggai to tell the people so.
When the foundation was laid earlier that year, the priests played their trumpets and the Levites their cymbals, and they sang praise songs, and the people shouted with joy.
Except the older folks.
But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off (Ezra 3:12-13).
Solomon’s temple had been spectacular. Covered and even dripping with gold, it was shiny and rich and luxurious.
The exiles’ budget would not extend to this kind of splendor. On top of that, this temple was going to be half the height of Solomon’s, according to the ancient historian Josephus.
Those who remembered the first temple and expected better were disappointed.
The Lord acknowledged this, saying, “Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?” (Haggai 2:3).
But the Lord exhorted the exiles to be strong and “’and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’ (Haggai 2:4b-5).”
Success did not depend upon their evaluation.
Success did not depend upon their resources.
Success depended upon the Lord’s Presence among them.
The question for the exiles was not of resources but of faith.
If they doubted the Lord’s concern for them as individuals or as a people, they simply needed to remember the covenant promises.
The Lord made another promise about the new temple.
“‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).
But the fulfillment of the promise would not come as the people expected.
This would be the temple in which the baby Jesus would be dedicated.
This would be the temple in which the young Jesus would be found teaching the scribes and Pharisees.
And this would be the temple where those with eyes to see and ears to hear will find the Prince of Peace when He comes to them “lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).
The exiles’ expectations of a temple as grand as Solomon’s led them to disappointment.
They could not have envisioned the glory of Jesus Christ and how He would redeem the people of all the earth.
Their disappointment in the new temple was real, but it was unwarranted in light of what the Lord was going to do and still will do through the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My disappointment in 2020 was real.
I could not and still cannot envision how the Lord will heal America.
I hope and pray He will lead the people to vote for a more righteous government in this election.
But whether that happens, He is still with us.
So let’s get on with the work!
Lord, we know You love and are with us and America. Help us to set aside our expectations, do the work of the intercessor, and see what You will do — through the eyes of faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Share your praise for the Lord’s Presence below.
New York City–based Joyce Swingle is an intercessor and a contributing writer for IFA. With her husband, Rich, also a contributing writer for IFA, Joyce shares the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world through theater, speaking, writing, and film. Prior to going into full-time ministry, Joyce worked for about 20 major magazines and now works in pastoral ministry and Christian counseling. www.Richdrama.com. Photo Credit: Back Phrom on Unsplash.
Comments (70)
Share (87)
Post A Prayer
Print
I Prayed
have prayed
Post A Prayer
Related Content
House Reaches Compromise, Narrowly Avoids Govt. Shutdown
I Prayed
Drones, Hackers, and National Security Threats
I Prayed
Partner with Us
Intercessors for America is the trusted resource for millions of people across the United States committed to praying for our nation. If you have benefited from IFA's resources and community, please consider joining us as a monthly support partner. As a 501(c)3 organization, it's through your support that all this possible.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Privacy Policy
Comments
I truly needed this encouragement today. Thank you for the reminder that God’s view is so much bigger and wiser than ours.
Blessings!
Im confused when you say that this temple was where Jesus was consecrated. The second temple was completely dismantled I think around 18 bc. I believe there was no temple for about 18 months. After that Herod started building his splashy temple which took decades then was destroyed in 70 AD.
Wow, can I relate to this article! At least twice over the last few months, the Lord has been dealing with me as I prayed over this election, and struggled to believe He would do a miracle. But He was asking me if it didn’t turn out the way I wanted, would I still trust Him, or I would pull back a little. What He was wanting was total surrender of my life to Him. And the only way to get there is to have a choice to make–a hard choice, a real choice. This is what He’s wanting from all of us. But in total surrender is victory, no matter what happens.
2008: I was attending college being a single mother, special-needs son, and first time watching this man, Obama, at first, I thought wow he speaks so well, but then I was struck! I was struggling, much more back then, and I was devastated to see the same spirit of Marxism that I grew up with when I grew up in Romania under the dictator ship of a man that I don’t even want to say the name…. to me, that’s when I thought point of no return in this country, after so much corruption on so many levels, and especially as the church was asleep, but as I grew more in the Lord, and I learn to intercede more, I realize that God can still move even in this kind of Society. I’m praying and praying. It breaks my heart to see how much corruption has entered from other countries and religions, corrupted a lot of the American way, but our citizenship is in heaven ,,, apostle, Paul said in the Philippians: Phil.
“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”
Philippians 3:17-21 NKJV
I was completely demoralized, I still am! Especially with the obvious fraud and watching every single check and balance that should have stopped it, fail almost supernaturally. Culminating in J6 designed to make the righteous afraid to protest. Evil has flooded our country at an exponential rateever since!vI fear evil will “win” again and go completely un challenged. Is God punishing us by destroying us in slow mo? God knows we deserve it. I believe had the church stood up against covid instead of cowering, the results may have been different.
So many in the church seem to be afraid to stand up. They seem to think that we should be separate from government and not involved in it. That is not biblical, but we are being indoctrinated (in so many cases) that Christians should stay out of the government, that in the US is supposed to be one of the PEOPLE. So many of us seem to feel we have no influence. How can we unite and stand up?
There was obvious fraud on the part of those claiming the election was stolen.
Donald Trump lost the election.
My sentiments exactly
God’s ways are not man’s ways. The kingdom of God is as a little child. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Those that are led of the Spirit are sons of God. My sheep hear my voice and follow me. Those who have ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit is saying. Jesus said “I will lose nothing the Father has given me”. Abraham was a sojeiner(sp?) passing through looking for a city who’s builder was God
Disappointment and election expectations: you are temporal worldly focused not eternally focused
Rev 12:9 the devil, satan, the dragon who deceives the whole world. Guard your heart, follow no man
Excellent article! Thank you so much!
Oh great and awesome king of the universe, You are so good, all the time.. I praise and worship and thank you for everything. This election is not our battle, my battle, but Yours. You declare again and again in your Word that you hate evil and I believe You are dealing with all of it even now as hard as that seems to see at times. I am waiting and watching to see what you will do next with Joy as I trust in you and have faith and peace with the armor on You’ve given me to protect and prepare me for the battle ahead. I love you and turn all this over to You in Jesus Christ name, Amen
Thank you Beverly for your sweet truthful prayer! I concur with all that you sad. God is still in control no matter what. We all continue to pray for the innocent to be exonerated and the evil doers to be revealed. We also look into our own hearts to be humbled and yield to our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May God be glorified in this country and world. He is so merciful to us. Read Lamentations 3: 22-26. It is powerful! May God continue to protect us and lead us to Him. Amen
Thank you Joyce, such a powerful reminder that His ways are above ours, we cannot grow weary but continue to “do good” so we continue as His watchman. Thank you!
I felt the same things as you did. I don’t understand why God almost always seems to bless Democrats with victory. I don’t know what is going to happen in November. I don’t know what I will do if Harris wins. Move to Argentina who has a pro Israel President or move to a very conservative county in my state, build a shelter and stock it with necessities. If Harris wins, I don’t see a Republican winning again in my lifetime if the Lord tarries. The Lord has his plan and his will be done. I am thinking that the last 7 years of Daniel’s prophecy of the tribulation is coming and maybe starting next year. The war of Gog and Magog found in Ezekiel 38 and 39 seems closer than ever and most if not all the pieces seem to be in place from Turkey to Iran to Libya to Sudan. Jewish tradition says that the fate of people for the next year is decided by God at the end of Yom Kippur so Jewish people fast, pray, confess and repent on Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is next Saturday starting at sunset Friday evening. As someone who is grafted in, I plan to fast, pray confess and repent.
Don’t loose heart, God is on the Throne but you are right to fast and pray. Join the Million Women prayer movement on October 12th for we are in a time for such as this. I believe the link can be found in Dutch Sheets Give Him 15 website, another great resource for prayer and encouragement.
Fasting and prayer and repentance are always wise options, if done in humility and trust. It is not a last-ditch effort to get God to do something – it is the means He uses to get us into alignment with Him, so that He can accomplish His will and purposes in us and through us.
Thank you for that reminder…in times like these I tend to do these things in my own effort instead of the Lords leading me💕.
Personally, I don’t feel that the Democrats have been “blessed” above anyone else. I think that God may be trying to wake up the church to stand for Him in the public square. So many times we (the church) don’t want to speak up out of fear that we may offend someone that is already hurting, that we forget to stand up for Yeshua at all. Someone reminded me earlier today that we are to be obedient to God, regardless of the results. We had a president (Adams, I think) that, after his presidential term, was elected to congress and weekly brought up antislavery laws. He was silenced for over seventeen years, but slowly turned hearts to see that slavery was wrong. When asked why he continued he said that he was called to be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit, no matter what his fellow congressman said. He remained obedient. The law allowing slavery was not overturned until after his death, but without his efforts, slavery may have lasted years longer.
I can’t imagine how God can fix all of this evil, but I know we must remain vigilant in standing for Him. The results are up to Him!
In the meantime I continue to work on Phillipians 4:7-9
Thank you, Joyce, for this excellent and helpful article.
Praise You Most HIGH God for you are great and greatly to be praised.
I agree we all shared in the disappointment, but as we are seeing God’s ways are not our ways and in hindsight as this article eluded to I believe God used it to reveal the sickness of our nation and the evil that has taken root. I believe our prayers were heard but not answered the way we expected as God wants to truly deliver our nation but had to expose the sickness first.
It is amazing to hear the many people who are starting to wake up and starting to take a stand even for some leaving a party that their families had been tied to for many generations.
This coming election is different as the evil has been exposed, people are being awakened, and this time it is not about Republican/Democrat or Trump/Harris but it is about the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. This election is critical for that reason.
Our prayer should ever be Your Kingdom come Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. With that said, I don’t believe God is done with America yet but we must pray as I do believe this election is a critical one.
Trump’s positions are political and not necessarily religious. He wants to cut taxes and use tariffs as a means of making up the difference in funding the government. He wants to appease Russia by trying to force the Ukrainians to give up land for a cease fire. He has a pro-choice platform. He wants the member countries in NATO to invest more money toward building up their own military.
The choice is between someone who is opposed to Godly standards and someone who is not entirely opposed to God as long as honoring God is not too costly and serves his purpose.
Godliness, even assumed, may have benefits. The Trump Bible retailing at $60 and a signed copy, by Trump, at $1000, is great. For it is printed in China for $3.
Yes and agreed. Reading and studying the Old Testament truly helps you to know God and understand His ways so much better and gives you the strength and hope to stand in the hard times
LORD GOD
MANIFEST YOUR WILL BEYOND A SHADOW OF ANYONE’S DOUBT/
I ASK IN JESUS’ NAME.
AMEN
I agree with this message about disappointment and even offenses, The Lord said of fences would come, but the Lord uses these things to show us what’s in our hearts. The key is how do we respond to it, do we repent and recognize how the Lord is working out everything for good.
I believe there is a reason for hundreds of his former cabinet members, White House staff, legal team, military leaders signed letters that he is unfit to be the president again and would be a danger to the nation. They along with many other former high level officials of the US government signed a letter stating that. This is something to consider. Something is not right with him. He’s done sneaky thing with Putin. Like meet with him without his Interpreter in the room like Putin had. That changed everything for me. Who does that? Why would he do that. I don’t understand why some of the American people has forgotten or brushed it off. When the journalist asked what they talked about he refused to say. He also said he believe him over our intelligence. Also my friend and prayer partner dreamed of him during his 2016 administration. It showed a strong delusion would come upon some people. At the end of the dream a loud voice was saying,” deception and deceit, deception and deceit.
It was years before any mention of hos 2020 election. But we’ve watched it happen.
I pray God will open the eyes of his people. And that those spirits will be broken off of the people of God.
I believe that God has called President Donald Trump His Cyrus for this time in America. Perhaps the “deception and deceit” spoken of in your friend’s dream is being used by the devil against President Trump to destroy him (strong delusion). It could be that the many letters against President Trump were written by those who are themselves being deceived. I too pray that God will open the eyes of His people.
During Trump’s first term in office, his choice of Mike Pence as his VP indicated an openness toward God influencing the direction of his administration, but this time his VP choice is for political reasons only. His son, who is not known for having a Godly outlook, is taking the lead in establishing his father’s platform and in selecting his presidential staff. In other words, the power players around Donald Trump this time seemed to be more motivated by politics.
This shift in the type of people Trump is surrounding himself with is occurring as he is pivoting away from opposing abortion to supporting a pro-choice platform. Abortion, as you know, is a key component of a Christian position.
The people around Trump are hinting that he has plans to fire the DOJ staff and replacement them, not with people dedicated to justice for all, but those who are personally loyal to him. This is not something that a Godly man, who had regard for God’s standard of justice, would do.
Donald Trump may have had moments in the past when he wanted his administration to honor God, but I don’t think this is where he is now in his thinking.
I am very concerned about a Trump second term. Replacing taxes with tariffs is radical. If you will remember Hoover campaigned in 1928 on the promise of using tariffs to protect the American farmers. When the New York Times mistakenly said Hoover’s massive tariff bill had been passed, the stock market started to collapse. I don’t think Trump has truly made an effort to study the impact of tariffs on the economy.
I am happy that Trump is surrounding himself with different people this time around. The cabinet you viewed as more righteous last time didn’t have enough wisdom or teeth to accomplish all the things that could have been done between 2016 – 2020. “Christian” doesn’t mean “right for the job at hand.”
The DOJ is corrupt, he should replace them all. This is the DOJ that has persecuted citizens for being on capital grounds on Jan 6 who did not enter the building and people who were waved into the capitol building by capitol police. This DOJ arrested Mark Houck in front of his whole family (including his children) with guns drawn after he had already volunteered to turn himself in for a bogus accusation that he violated the FACE act.
Maybe tariffs aren’t great, but Harris’ “Opportunity Economy” will be certainly not be any better. I am in a career that gets money from the “Inflation Reduction Act” passed by democrats and I can tell you, it is taking money from hard working Americans and wasting millions of dollars. Harris will do more of the same if elected.
Trump has pivoted on abortion, but at least he wants to leave it to the states which means we as Christians have more influence on the outcome of abortion law because we can vote and influence lawmakers in our own states. Harris, on the other hand, would push for and sign a law to allow abortion until birth. The media is lying when they say late term abortions are not happening. They are legal in many states. Slavery was chipped away at in this nation until it was abolished and Trump is still a step toward overturning abortion even if he is now more pro choice.
Trump has failings, but he is a million times better than the alternative in Kamala Harris. She is an empty vessel ready to be filled with whatever policy her puppet master tells her to tout at the time (I still don’t know who the puppet master is). Look at any policy opinion she has had over the last 8 years and she has flipped on it. She called Joe Biden a racist and then ran as his VP, she was against fracking now she’s cool with it, she said many times “people are not illegal”and she was appointed to deal with the “root causes of migration” and did nothing about anything having to do with the border and suddenly in the last few months she finally wants to pass a bill to deal with the border, in 2020 she wanted to defund the police, in 2020 she encouraged people to give money to bail out violent rioters. Trump has flipped on issues too, I’ll agree, but it’s clear to me she is being told what to say by some other group. Unless the Lord changes her heart (and I earnestly have been praying for that) she will bring destruction to America if elected.
What some of the experienced diplomats and politicians in Trump administration had to say about him based on what he said and did that they witnessed (i.e. based on direct evidence, not deception)
1). His second attorney general, Bill Barr who had a reputation of being someone with great integrity and would not bow to any political pressure from either side: “Someone who engaged in that kind of bullying about a process that is fundamental to our system and to our self-government shouldn’t be anywhere near the Oval Office.”
2) His second secretary of defense, Mark Esper: “I think he’s unfit for office. … He puts himself before country. His actions are all about him and not about the country. And then, of course, I believe he has integrity and character issues as well.”
3). His first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson: “(Trump’s) understanding of global events, his understanding of global history, his understanding of US history was really limited. It’s really hard to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t even understand the concept for why we’re talking about this.”
4) His second national security adviser, HR McMaster: “We saw the absence of leadership, really anti-leadership, and what that can do to our country.”
5). His third national security adviser, John Bolton: “I believe (foreign leaders) think he is a laughing fool.”
6) His second chief of staff, John Kelly: “A person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law. There is nothing more that can be said. God help us.”
7). His former acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, who resigned as US special envoy to Ireland after January 6, 2021: “I quit because I think he failed at being the president when we needed him to be that.”
8)One of his many former communications directors, Anthony Scaramucci: “He is the domestic terrorist of the 21st century.”
9) Another former communications director, Stephanie Grisham: “I am terrified of him running in 2024.”
10) His secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, who resigned after January 6: “When I saw what was happening on January 6 and didn’t see the president step in and do what he could have done to turn it back or slow it down or really address the situation, it was just obvious to me that I couldn’t continue.”
11). His secretary of transportation, Elaine Chao, who resigned after January 6: “At a particular point the events were such that it was impossible for me to continue, given my personal values and my philosophy.
12) His first secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer: “…the president has very little understanding of what it means to be in the military, to fight ethically or to be governed by a uniform set of rules and practices.”
13). His first homeland security adviser, Tom Bossert: “The President undermined American democracy baselessly for months. As a result, he’s culpable for this siege, and an utter disgrace.”
14) His White House lawyer, Ty Cobb: “Trump relentlessly puts forth claims that are not true.”
15) A former deputy press secretary, Sarah Matthews, who resigned after January 6: “I think that his actions on January 6 and the lead-up to it, the way that he’s acted in the aftermath, and his continuation of pushing this lie that the election is stolen has made him wholly unfit to hold office ever again.”
I am not saying don’t vote for Trump. He may be the lesser of two evils, but his short comings need to be addressed, not ignored. His replacing the DOJ with people loyal to him makes him no better than the Democrats and sets in motion a continuation of politicians using our justice system for their own gain.
Thank you for your article. A good reminder, that God is with us no matter how the election turns out. God, always has a purpose in everything for our good. The priority is to remain close to the Lord and his promises.
I felt just as you in 2020. I was very angry at Mike Pence as i considered his actions alone as opening the door for evil to invade our country in a huge way. Yes, that happened, but it was wrong of me to blame.
a confession with repentance
Oh, Lord Jesus l pray that You would stop any frequency transmissions in the air! Mix up their cumunications in Jesus Mighty Name! Amen!
I completely agree with you. I have realized recently that there are so many urging us to pray for the outcome of the election that it is easy to put our faith in prayer rather than in God Himself who is the all-wise, all-powerful, and everywhere-present God and who knows the end from the beginning. We must remember to “Trust in the LORD” even when we don’t understand what He is up to (Proverb 3:5).
The fact that Trump lost the 2020 election should not have come as such a shock since the 2016 election was very close and leading up to the 2020 election it was clear that some who voted for Trump in 2016 would not vote for him again.
In 2020 the American people needed a leader in whom they could believe. The right one would have been swept into power. That is still true. The 2024 election will be decided by neither MAGA or Progressives. Unfortunately, Trump still doesn’t seem to realize this.
Psa. 62:5-8 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Phil. 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
See also Rom. 8:18-23 in regard to expectation, especially of redemption.
I urge you, my brothers and sisters to read Revelation. I don’t presume to know exactly where we are in God’s timeline, but it doesn’t require much consideration of the prophetic Scripture to know that birth pangs have started and continue to increase in intensity and the contractions seem closer together. I believe that He is calling us to a focus on His Kingdom, not on the kingdoms of this world, and not on our own little kingdoms. His plan of redemption is being accomplished and it centers in Israel and His ekklesia. Please know that I’m not defeatist, nor am I unconcerned with being a responsible citizen of this nation. But my hope lies in Him alone, and I am lifting my eyes to Him, because our redemption draws nigh.
Let’s not allow that ‘spirit of entitlement’ that plagues our nation to derail us. I too was disappointed with the 2020 election results, but the Lord rebuked me by reminding me of what I had truly earned and was ‘entitled’ to. Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. I have earned death and hell, anything better than that is totally undeserved and should give me great rejoicing! Let’s allow Him to be our expectation, and make our expectations conform to His leading.
I wanted to add to my comment after watching the prayer call this morning. Joyce and Rich, I’m sorry for your own very personal sense of disappointment. I appreciated your vulnerability and transparency in sharing it with us, and I’ll pray for you. I realized that the word I used in expressing God’s dealing with my disappointment may sound harsh – the word “rebuke”. I’m not assuming that He would need to deal with anyone else in that way. I’m a bit hard-headed! He knows that! About a decade ago, I allowed disappointment to fester into anger, sarcasm, cynicism, etc. ad nauseum and finally bitterness. Because of the ensuing depression, I allowed my lifestyle choices in diet to land me in a health crisis – end result, type 2 diabetes. The consequences have not been pleasant. After repenting and allowing God to help me dig out of the pit I had dug for myself, He is kind enough to keep me on a short leash and rebuke me when necessary. I don’t want that downward spiral to repeat. May others be wise enough to respond quickly to His loving correction so as not to repeat my mistake!
Dearest Mary Beth,
I was greatly encouraged by your first response and even more so by this comment. I heartily agree with all you said above and also needed the Lord’s rebuke. Thank you also for posting the great Scriptures on expectations; very helpful. May the Lord bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you. May He alleviate the diabetes and keep you healthy for all He has called you to in this world. Blessings, Joyce
The 2020 election did in fact depress me beyond beyond! I am now praying for the gift of TRUST! I know that we have God on our side and I’m trusting in His plan. I understand that His plan is sometimes not my lowly plan and I’m praying for my trust in His plan.
Thank you for your gut level honesty. I tracked with everything you were feeling and praying. I have caught myself once again this election cycle putting my hopes in a human candidate and not in Christ. There are definitely hard, refining times coming. I pray I have the courage to stand no matter what… to always choose Him and never let the fear of man sway me.
Thank you for your thoughts, Joyce. How many of us felt these emotions! As I watch evil go about its business of destruction, I think if Psalm 37 where it says so many times not to fear, that the evil will not win! No matter what happens in our lives, either personal or national, we can remember that Jesus is in the midst of it and he is coming again. I pray for this election, for our country, and for peace and righteousness in the midst of the hatred and confusion that is in our nation.
I have been sitting on Psalm 37 so much lately. Thank you!
Thanks for being honest Joyce.❣️
Yes, I was dumbfounded after the 2020 election results and believe it was an illegitimate election. I tried to remind myself that God was and is in control and allows these things to happen, however I watched in dread as the new administration systematically and relentlessly took action to destroy good bills and policies that had been put in place to help our country. I have further reflected that our Lord does allow these bad situations to take place as His ways and thoughts are above and beyond our ways and thoughts. Allowing this current/past administration is a reminder of Proverbs 2: ” When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan”. Just as your article on the Temple being destroyed and rebuilt, let us look forward to a new hope and future where we will Rejoice with Godly men and women governing our country again.
You didn’t express the disappointment that some Christians felt when they stepped out in 2016 and put their trust in a man who was supposed to be a Christian but who spent far too much time in twitter battles with celebrities and used belittling language that both misrepresented the dignity of his office and his testimony of being a Christian, who treated a fellow Christian and someone who had supported him even when there was no justification for his behavior (Mike Pence), and treated his staff with such disrespect that he was described as a ‘bully’ and ‘unfit for office’.
Thank you for putting into words the emotions that have raged in me since 2020..Expectations are Always through Human eyes, not Divine and we forget that. We worry, we fret..all useless in the Face of His Grace. You’ve given a clear assessment how we hold onto ‘our’ ideas more than His. Reading your summary and where you’re now going with it all, is inspiring..again, thank you!
I have named it PTDD-Post Traumatic Defeat Disorder. It is impossible to get my faith in this election where it was four years ago. God helps us to believe again. To believe in Him not people.
Thank you for expressing my feelings in your article.
Awesome! Learned a lot, Eye opening.
The Lord also tore the temple veil, curtain talk to bottom, opening free access to His Presence for all. Anytime. Anywhere
I think so very many of us felt the same way about the 2020 election. It was stolen. The other side cheated and lied. There is no surprise here. God was and is still in control. I am praying there will be more controls in place this year and a much fairer election. I am getting bombarded with texts, emails and mail claiming we are being out spent by a deluge of funding. It can be depressing. I went to the Lord with it, who reminded me it isn’t about the money, it is about the people who vote. Pray Christians get out and vote and listen to the still small voice. Pray the truth penetrates our society. Pray for our country to return to its Christian roots.
Amen!!!!
there was widespread fraud on the part of those claiming that the election was stolen.
The Lord led me to read this article today. You do not know how much it meant to me. Not from the political point of view, although I was one of the very disappointed ones, but I am in a situation right now that I know I heard God tell me to do, but the results are far less than expected… and I feel like I am in a season a disappointment.
When you talked about the glory of the latter house and how Jesus was dedicated in that temple and stood teaching as a child in that temple and was there in His ministry in that temple, I cried. That revelation is so beautiful. I have never thought of it that way! It blessed me so!
Thank you so much for your vulnerability, your honesty and your wisdom. In Christ, Danna.
Amen
I can readily identify with this IFA prayer warrior and writer. My disappointment over the 2020 election outcome and how it was fraudulently stolen from every conservative in this nation left me angry with God and totally discouraged about the future of our nation.
I fought for this nation 56 years ago and knew in my heart of hearts that we were losing the greatest, most blessed and guided country (Psalm 33:12) the world had ever seen. It literally made me sick and also prompted me to challenge our God and ask “How could YOU let this happen?” He did not give me a Job answer but He did answer angry questions with other believers and even silence to get HIS message back to me. And that was…”be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted in the nations and I will be exalted in all the earth.” amen.
https://youtu.be/A8TtOIMaKKA?si=6jMSJ0fF1ksG5fmp This is a beautiful song I love that sets my heart right every time I hope you can link to it. Be still
Thank you for this wonderful song.
Thank you for putting words to the disappointment and despair that so many of us feel. My first words to the Lord this morning were about this and how it will feel like death if the current progressive leaders are allowed to stay in power. The Spirit checked me and questioned if my hope is in conservative politicians or in the Lord? Our hope is in the Presence of Jesus. He has a plan and can do anything. I don’t want to just say these words; I need to passionately believe them. God help us. God put courage and hope into Your people.
This article caused me to relive my own journey through those times after the 2020 election. In what or whom had I placed my hope? Was it in the strength of prayers with others? Was it in our decrees? Was it in believing that God would respond to our requests immediately, and as we had stated them?
Lord, thank You for causing me to wait on You and You alone. Even now, cause my hope to be in You only. Break my heart with what breaks Yours. Deliver all of us from evil, unrighteousness, the overextended arm of our government, from greed, injustice. Deliver us from our silence on issues which need discussion. Forgive me for all the times I expected You to act immediately, just because I asked You for something. Teach me to Be still and know that You are God. Continue to teach all of us, me especially, to Wait on the Lord, to be strong and take courage and wait on the Lord. Amen.
Father, we thank you that all your ways are perfect, they’re higher and beyond our understanding. We see evil and corruption rampant and know that you have given all of us a free will. Only you can change the hearts of people and transform our country so that we can fulfill the destiny you created when you made our country. Show us what we need to do, help us to repent and to serve you with our whole being. We praise you and thank you for your great Mercy, your righteousness and Truth. Thank you! That the truth will set us free. We love you Lord.
Thank you for sharing your disappointment and encouragement. We will intercede and believe the word of the Lord!!!
I was dealing with the exact same feelings after the 2020 election as Joyce mentions in this article!
A subsequent events unfolded, however, and many of our prayer leaders began to explain and show us the way forward, I was greatly comforted! Thanks for this article, Joyce!
I too struggle in this. Thank you for sharing
My our expectations be in alignment with the Covenant Promises of our Savior, nothing more, nothing less. Turn our eyes towards You, Father.
What a fantastic timely article. THANK YOU for such insight into the Word and clarity on how to handle the political disappointment. Glory to God in the Highest for the gifts you are pouring out for Him!
I trust that the Lord is in control of EVERYTHING, including the 2024 election results. No matter what happens, Lord Jesus, You take what the enemy meant for evil, and You will turn it for good. Thank you Jesus.
This article beautifully articulates the feelings of myself, and many others I suppose. I know the Lord will never leave or forsake us and that is the TRUTH!
After the 2020 election I was disappointed but was given a dream of the church all dressed in light gray but clean and walking around a mountain in good order. It was snowy. I’ve heard snow is symbolic of warfare? And we were dressed in gray. Not white. Compromised?? So we the church went to war for our nation. It’s been getting more difficult. But the Lords army has grown globally as well as nationally. Various prayer ministries have gathered a larger following and several streams of ministry have combined into River of God. Many are branching off to have large meetings to pray and many are working behind the scenes in smaller groups to pray. All are agreeing America is saved. As prayers ascend and bowls of tears are pouring out the Lord is responding through those who are an answer to our prayers to take positions of power in all seven mountains of influence. We have been hit with a Hamas of a hurricane as Israel was hit last year. I pray the Lord uses this tragedy for some reason we can’t see but that the people in that war zone will find peace and hope again.
Thank You that You are a sovereign God. Even tho You are stretching my faith & trust in You – & it IS causing growing pains in my heart about the deception, hypocrisy & evil all around in America…….I am glad that I have Your Word to depend on. Just like Romans 1 says, You have YOUR OWN reasons for doing & allowing certain wickedness to take place. Your eternal plan takes precedence for America – not MY desires. I submit all my emotions to You, the One True Living God – Most High Above All the Earth!
Amen
May the Lord use me to bring Him glory, intercede for our nation, yet realize Father God is preparing for the return of our Savior and Messiah. May we pray He brings His first chosen people, the Jews, accept the Messiah has come, not just to bring them peace, unity, prosperity, but the work of Salvation. to and in them. As America supports Israel, God will work for her/us.
Thank you for this good word, Joyce Swingle!