Live Happy … Today – Day 17

At the beginning of the last day of the 2012 British Open Golf Tournament, Adam Scott was predicted to be the winner. Not only did he have a four stroke lead over his nearest competitor, but the wind was blowing strongly, which made the course difficult for the rest of the players to catch up with Scott.

With four holes left, Scott’s chances to win the title suddenly collapsed when he bogeyed all four holes, causing Ernie Els to be crowned the winner of the Claret Jug for the second time, making him a Major Champion for the fourth time.

Even though Scott showed good sportsmanship during his disaster defeat, shaking hands and trying to smile, his disappointment during the handover ceremony of the trophy could not be hidden from his face.

Scott’s disappointment made me think of the disappointments we face at times. You may have applied for a specific job. You were the favourite candidate, but a younger colleague with less experience got the job. You may have been convinced that the person you dated was your future spouse, but then he or she broke off the relationship. You may have shared something confidential with a friend or family member, just to realise that they neglected to keep your secret safe.

How do you handle those moments of utter disappointment? Do you blame other people or do you take the matter to God, with the knowledge that he has the final say in every situation. God knows the future and we can truly trust him. In Psalm 62:5 we read: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” He opens and closes doors to protect us. In Revelation 3:7 we read: “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”

If you, therefore, experience another disappointment, instead of feeling sorry for yourself, start to thank God. He knows your future. If he is not currently protecting you from pride or a wrong decision, he is probably strengthening your character to be able to handle the pressures accompanying amazing breakthroughs in your future. He wants what is best for you, so rest assured that he will open and close the correct doors – even if you have to endure a short time of disappointment. God bless.