Two Ways of Overcoming a Hope Deferred Heart
Hope deferred really makes the heart sick, and Seele’s Editor shares two ways of thinking about and processing through the receiving of news that you’ve been waiting to work in your favor but doesn’t
What do you do when you get news that you didn’t want to get- negative news, for something you’ve been seeking God on for a long time? A good friend received some negative news today for something she has been seeking God on for 2 years now, and my heart aches for her. And it got me thinking, what do you do when your heart is sick from news you were hoping to work in your favor but didn’t?
I’m reminded of the Scripture from Proverbs 13:12- “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
God knows when we are seeking Him for something, and every time there is a rejection, our hearts grow sick. I tried for seven years to return to London, my absolute favorite place in the whole world but God hasn’t opened that door yet. Even while I have seen people around me easily get work visas to go, God hasn’t granted that for me. And for a period, my heart was really sick.
And, I was just on the phone with Country Music artist Chase Rice. He had dreams of becoming a professional American football player but an injury stopped his hopes and plans for his life...
I have two thoughts, two suggestions, two perspectives on how to get through unfavorable, closed door, negative news.
1- Draw strength from your faith in Jesus, painful moments of negative news is not the time to walk away from God:
I believe that when a person becomes a born-again Christian that person will then be taken on a wild ride journey in life of ups and downs, as God begins to sanctify that person (being made more like Jesus).
But, that born-again decision to follow Jesus should be solid. It is then that a person should endeavor, no matter what comes in life to stay the course and always follow Triune God. So what I’m saying is, when negative news comes, remind yourself that God is good, and He is faithful. Don’t walk away from Him because you didn’t get what you wanted right then. In these moments you’re gonna be drawing strength from those seasons when God richly poured into you- could be the season when you became born-again and all was lovey dovey between you and God and you were growing deep in the Word. Those are key seasons that full us when we are low. Whatever the pain, resolve to keep walking with Him even though you don’t understand and you’re hurting.
I LOVE London with all my heart and every closed door to return really hurt, and still stings, if I put an application to a British company and I get a no. I know God will let me return one day but there are things He wants me to do in the meantime, and I have to endeavor and resolve to trust His plans for my life, not my plans for my life. Which, leads me to my next point.
2- Closed doors can be opportunities to be creative in other ways and do some really amazing things:
Though we can’t see it in be midst of the pain that comes from the negative news, sometimes a closed door is actually a blessing- even if it’s a good thing you’re wanting (i.e. to get that visa to help poor people in a foreign country, or get that house that seems so perfect).
While God hasn’t allowed me to return to London, I have done some pretty cool things by thinking creatively and going after other opportunities- I have lived in Germany, consulted at an international organization that I dreamed to work at when I was in university, covered 5-star hotel openings and stayed in them, I have lived in Lebanon, served Syrian refugees some who I call friends, I have sat front row at Paris and Italian fashion weeks, I have dined in the homes of renowned designers, I have met international fashion designers and gotten to know brands from all over the world, worn couture gowns, and interviewed some of the most fascinating people and soooo much more. I could have never done any of these things if God had opened the door for a work permit in London in 2011 when I finished studying.
That music artist I was telling you about, Chase Rice- he went on from a failed football career to working for NASCAR, to coming in second on Survivor Nicaragua, to becoming one Country Music’s too artists. His songs gets millions of streams online and he’s topping the Country Music charts.
Closed doors or delayed open doors for what we’re wanting “now” can be an opportunity for something bigger, more exciting and better.
Looking back, I’m glad for closed doors to London because I’m a more well-rounded person.
So, in the midst of receiving negative news for a big hope, where your heart is sick, I encourage you to breathe, then grieve (but not for too long), talk with friends/family, pray and tell God how you feel. Sit in His presence, then regroup and make a plan on how you can creatively turn your negative news into an opportunity. And if it’s God will for you, that thing you’re wanting will come to pass at the right time!!
““‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’””
Happy Friday! God bless you and go bless someone else this weekend!