How can you handle difficulties, discouragement, and disillusionment? You and I face them every day.
For example, have you ever opened your purse to treat a friend to lunch and discovered that your credit card is missing? If you have, you can recall that sick feeling you had. Perhaps you mentally and physically retraced your steps. Maybe you emptied your purse in hopes of finding your credit card or at least enough cash to treat your friend.
Talk about difficulties and discouragement!
A month ago, my friend and I went to a restaurant. I looked forward to taking her to my favorite Chinese buffet. I described the mouth-watering assortment of Chinese, Japanese, vegetarian, American, and Mongolian grill. Add to that the salad, the Sushi, and dessert bars.
As we entered, the aroma of steamed eggplant, Thai rice, and spring garden rolls filled the air. After we sat at a table, we enjoyed firsts, seconds, and dessert.
The Difficulties Started
When the waitress brought the bill, she said, “No hurry. I can take it now, or you can pay up front when you leave.”
I opened my purse to get my credit card but couldn’t find it. Section by section, I emptied my purse. What could have happened? Search the section where you keep your credit card. Look on the floor. Nothing. Not one thing.
My friend didn’t have enough cash or a credit card with her. She said, “Do you remember the last time you used your credit card?”
At that moment, I couldn’t remember a thing. I felt as if someone had punched me in the gut. I had enough cash to pay for our lunch, but my difficulties, discouragement, and disillusionment had just begun.
Discouragement Escalated
First, I reported that credit card as lost or stolen. Then I needed to wait for the new card. A late friend of mine used to sing and quote the hymn, “Day by Day.” I could picture dear Sharron saying, “Day by day. You only need enough strength and faith for today.”
When the new card arrived, the next round of phone calls and online work began to update autodraft payments. Can you relate to that?
My faith wasn’t as strong as it could be. At times, I felt anger toward God for allowing the difficulties. Other times I felt discouragement mount because each call took longer than I thought it should have, and I had to ask for help every day.
Disillusionment Set in
Disillusionment set in. Why me? How could any good come from this mess? How could I write or speak for the Lord with this nightmare devouring my time and energy?
Didn’t God call me to speak and write for him? Did God stop loving me?
As I played “Day by Day” online, God’s grace seeped into my soul a drop at a time. I sat at the piano one evening, played that hymn, and sang the lyrics through tears.
Three Changes for the Better
1. Attitude
As I look back on the past month, I can see that my attitude improved. First, I made peace with the fact that I’m on earth, not in heaven. I will have troubles on earth as will anyone else.
2. Research
Second, research of the reason Lina Sandell Berg wrote the hymn, “Day by Day,” moved my disillusioned spirit. Sandell Berg wrote that hymn several years after she had witnessed the tragic drowning of her father.
God didn’t cause her father’s death, but Lina Sandell Berg allowed God to use it for good in her life. How would I handle my disillusionment? What about you?
3. Surrender and Trust
Third, on one Sunday, three televangelists preached on surrender to God and trust in him. I skipped the fourth televangelist I usually watch. I figured it would be another one on surrender and trust.
Instead, I watched a Hallmark television network movie. Imagine my surprise to find it was also on surrender and trust.
I fell to my knees and said, “God, I don’t always agree with you or understand you, but I surrender to your will for my life. I trust you. Maybe you can use this blogpost to help my readers.”
To handle your difficulties, discouragement, and disillusionment, I encourage you to look online for Lina Sandell Berg’s hymn, “Day by Day,” and listen to it.
Next time I go to my favorite Chinese buffet, you know I’ll check my purse and ensure that my credit card is in it. Especially if I plan to treat a friend.
Related Posts:
Internal Post
When You Don’t Know What to Do
External Post
How to Battle against Doubt, Disillusionment and Discouragement
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega March 9, 2020
