Dear (Name Withheld)


I’ve heard through the grapevine that you’re disappointed at not having made the soccer team at your school. Believe me, I know all about disappointment, especially at sports. I could never do anything with athletics. You’re much better than I ever was, and I’m proud of you.  But I have learned something I want to tell you: Almost always (well, always always), discouragement works out to our advantage. It’s God’s way of keeping us from the things He doesn’t want us to do, so we will be free to do the things that He does want us to do.

As someone put it: Disappointments are His appointments. It is best to grasp this insight sooner rather than later. Otherwise we’ll waste much time and energy in anxiety over setbacks, not realizing they are stepping stones in the pathway of God’s will. The Bible says, “The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23), and what He orders He gets.

Use that to advantage. Give Him your low spirits, and He’ll give you high praise. All things work for the good of those who love Him, and we should never stay discouraged for long. Something better is in store right around the corner.