Q&A - Disappointed Hope

Q. “I am curious what you ladies might have to say on the topic of dealing with the grief that comes from the ending of a relationship, particularly when a woman believed it would end in marriage.”

A. This question immediately brought back memories of a similar season that I experienced in my relationship with Mike.  Although the Lord ultimately planned marriage for us, there was a period of time when it appeared our relationship was over for good. And while I realize that not all stories have the same ending, the issues God was after in my heart are the same for all of us—whether or not we eventually get married, and regardless of the nature of our disappointed hope.

When Mike and I ended our relationship, it was after many months of mutual feelings, and much time spent pursuing marriage.  Before the decision to call things off, we would both have been pretty confident marriage to each other was in our future (Read the long version of our story here.) So, upon ending our relationship, I was immediately faced with the temptation to despair.  What was God doing?  Why was I so confused?  I thought Mike was the one! The tears were many, just ask my mom.

This decision marked the beginning of one of the biggest battles I had yet to face in my walk with the Lord. The fight for FAITH.  Did I really believe what I had been taught from Scripture about God’s sovereignty? Did I trust God that He had a perfect plan for my life? Was I confident that He would reveal His will to me, in His good time? Could I be happy if His plan didn’t include marriage? I’m sorry to say that my answer to many of these questions was often a resounding “no.”  I thought that my ideas and plans were best.  If only the Lord would speak more clearly. If only He would do it this way--MY way.

How grateful I am for the mercy of God upon my life during this struggle. Through the leadership of my parents, I began to press into God’s Word in a most intense way.  I spent hours studying “faith” and “sovereignty” in the Bible, and talking through the issues of sin in my heart with others.  The book Is God Really in Control? (previously entitled Trusting God) by Jerry Bridges became a faithful friend to me.  I read this book over and over again. Quotes like these fed my soul...

"God in His infinite wisdom knows exactly what adversity we need to grow more and more into the likeness of His Son.  He not only knows what we need but when we need it and how best to bring it to pass in our lives.  He is the perfect teacher or coach.  His discipline is always exactly suited for our needs.  He never over trains us by allowing too much adversity in our lives.”  Page 122

“If we are to experience peace in our souls in times of adversity, we must come to the place where we truly believe that God’s ways are simply beyond us and stop asking Him “why” or even trying to determine it ourselves.  This may seem like an intellectual “cop out,” a refusal to deal with the really tough issues of life.  In fact, it is just the opposite.  It is a surrender to the truth about God and our circumstances as it is revealed to us by God Himself in His inspired Word.”  Page 126-7

Slowly, I cannot tell you exactly when, my heart began to change.  I still didn’t know if marriage was in my future, but my heart was at peace in the sovereignty of my good and loving Father.  I wanted His perfect plan to be fulfilled in my life.

If you find yourself in a similar situation today (and this fight for faith is certainly not limited to the arena of marriage), I would encourage you to take drastic action.  Renew your mind with the consistent study of God’s Word. Purchase Jerry Bridges' book and pursue the counsel and help of a pastor and godly friends. Grace awaits you!

“The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

--from the archives