I got my hopes up—again. Oh, why did I do that? I should’ve known better. I’ve written about disappointment before—even earlier this year. Apparently, I need to tattoo the word “disappointment” on my body to serve as a reminder that I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high.
Somehow, though, I doubt that that would help.
Because a recent “no” in my life has left me feeling emotionally shaken yet again. It caused an important door to close—or, rather, to slam shut in my face. And now, I just feel lost…and afraid.
Facing the Fear of the Unknown
I should be okay with hearing the word “no,” but for some reason, I’m not. I’m surprised (not in the cute, fun way), and I’m worried about the implications of that “no.”
I know what well-meaning Christians would tell me if I explained my feelings to them. They’d probably say that God has better plans for me and will bring a better opportunity into my life. And of course, they’re right. God works everything out for the good of those who love Him and are called to Him (Romans 8:28). That’s certainly true. However, I also believe that God is okay with us being uncomfortable when open doors close.
Honestly, the recent “no” in my life has made me quite uncomfortable. Because the door shut. The door shut. The door that was going to give me the future that I wanted when I wanted it.
While I do believe that God is always working even when we can’t see Him working, I also believe that He often strips away our expectations so that we’ll trust Him more deeply. He can use the unexpected “no” in my life—and the unexpected “no” in yours—to stretch us toward Him.
God Can Use Your Discomfort
An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered. (Proverbs 25:26-27 NASB)
Why do we trust in our own foolish hearts? Over-confidence often leads to unmet—even crushed—expectations.
God was okay with Joseph, David, Jeremiah, and countless other people in the Bible being uncomfortable. But He didn’t waste their discomfort. He used it—and He can use your discomfort, too.
Yes, God can use the closed doors in your life to open other doors. However, even more importantly, He can use those closed doors to open your heart to His.
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