The message I've generally received from "the church" growing up and even into some of my adult life seemed to go something like this — "If you are good and obey God, then he's going to reward your obedience and bless you with what you want (career, family, hopes, dreams, etc.)." I'd say my greatest disappointment is that some of those blessings don't come on my timeline, or as soon or as easily as I expected they would. I'll teach my future kids someday that God sees and rewards our faithfulness and desires to honor him, but it may not be in the way we expect, on our timeline or even this side of heaven. But regardless, it's still worth doing the right thing, serving the Lord, being faithful and living to honor Him." Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo Everyone has experienced some level of disappointment in their lives, some with significant implications that challenge our faith and resolve. However, Jesus reminds us of the importance of steadfast commitment in Luke 9:62: “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” In spite of our disappointments, this verse calls us to wholehearted dedication in our walk with the Lord. Just as a farmer plowing a field must focus on what lies ahead to create straight furrows, we too must fix our eyes on Jesus, remaining steadfast in the call He has placed on our lives. Let us move ahead with hearts full of trust and lives dedicated to His purpose, knowing that He who called us is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6) and we can rest assured in Christ Jesus. Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach I wanted to play professional baseball and once I got to college I got "sidetracked " and it derailed my opportunity to further pursue playing. Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church That the Miami Dolphins haven’t won a Superbowl since 1973. I deal with it by pretending they are going to always win it next season… sigh… Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Development, Palm Beach Atlantic University I have been disappointed in myself when I avoided taking on new challenges because of fear of failure. I once hesitated to volunteer for a leadership role in a project, even though I knew I could do it. Reflecting on that, I realized the only way to grow is to push past discomfort. I now actively seek out opportunities that stretch my skills, and it’s made a big difference in my confidence and career. A scripture that I lean on is 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse reminds me to trust in the strength and abilities I’ve been given, and it motivates me to embrace challenges with courage rather than hesitation. Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College I was certainly not disappointed with the victory of Donald Trump but rather with the lukewarm to nonexistent support he received from a large percentage of the Christian Church. With so many cultural issues from abortion to the transitioning of our children, to men in women's sports, to DEI, to illegal immigration, this was the time for the church to stand and be counted. That so many did not, either willfully or carelessly, is a stain on the church and a disappointment of major proportions in my opinion. What was my reaction? I spoke up where I could, I wore a sign to church that said, "Vote the Bible." I did so, and then I trusted the good Lord with the outcome. He delivered huuugely! Mike McDermott, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company My greatest disappointment occurred when I was acting in New York and missed out on an opportunity to audition for one of the most powerful agents in LA due to having to work my side job (sales at New York Health & Racquet). My best friend did go and ended up being signed by the manager, which led to her moving to LA and getting cast as a regular in a sitcom. I was sick with disappointment for myself but did celebrate with her. Later on, it was through her that I was able to make my way to LA, so it all worked out in the end. Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company My greatest disappointment was seeing and knowing that a certain portion of the United States electorate does not value nor appreciate our democracy, by evidence of the fact that they voted for and elected an autocrat(a dictator) to be president of the United States of America, who has surrounded himself with wealthy oligarchs, who are willing to use their wealth to make everyone bend to the will of this autocrat. This autocrat will do what autocrats do, and that is demand complete and absolute loyalty from everyone, which is dictatorship. Having an autocrat as president of the United States changes our form of government from a democracy to an autocracy, which is a one-man rule form of government, similar to that of Russia. It pains me to see what has happened to our great nation, the nation that many young men and women fought and died for, including many of my buddies that were in my army infantry unit that fought and died in Vietnam. Notwithstanding, I am consoling myself by meditating on the fact that when Christ Jesus returns, He will make everything right and His righteousness will reign again up on the earth. O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center My greatest disappointment in life in general has been when those I have known and loved throughout different times of my life have turned away from Jesus. Not only do I pray that I did not interfere in a negative way but also, did I do enough. As Christians, we want to see all of our family and friends in heaven with us some day, but that will not always be the case. All we can do is plant the seed and pray for our brothers and sisters and hope that the seed sprouts and takes root. Patricia Colangelo, EdS, South Florida Bible Colle & Theological Seminary Wants to Know… Fidel Gomez Fred Scarbrough Heather Palacios Helen Wayner Jesse Carroccio Dr. Jessica Vera Justus Martin Ken Kerrigan Larry Lacy Laura C. Bishop Dr. Mary Drabik Mike McDermott
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