When Things Don't Go as Planned

No matter how good our plans there are times we as leaders face disappointments.  The dictionary says, Disappointment is a feeling of being let down, a feeling of sadness or frustration because something was not as good, attractive, or satisfactory as expected, or because something hoped for did not happen"   As I look back over my years in ministry there have been several times I can recall having this disheartening emotion.  Unchecked disappointment leads to discouragement, cynicism or even a sense of resignation.  It's interesting that God encourages us to plan, yet allows unexpected detours or interruptions to those plans.  While frustrating, detours are beneficial because they remind me that I'm not in control and keep me listening to the heart of God.  I have to remind myself that it 's frequently God's plan that things not go as I planned.  And God desires to use the detours, interruptions and obstacles to grow my courage, persistence, patience, endurance, character and humility. When a leader engages disappointment by listening to the Truth of God he hears, "Keep on believing, keep moving forward, I've not abandoned you…I'm simply growing you."Facing an unexpected disappointment today?  Check out Jesus words in John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prune so that it will be even more fruitful.