YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT, HIS APPOINTMENT!
“. . . Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36)
I was once on my way to a favorite part of the world – the Pacific Rim. My itinerary included 45 church services in five nations. I was delighted at the thought of being back where I had left part of my heart. A team member and I boarded the aircraft on the East Coast, USA and headed eastward with a refueling stop and crew change in Frankfurt, Germany. Four hours after liftoff, something most unexpected occurred in the economy class seating. While my team member was accommodated in business class on the upper deck, I lost consciousness and passed out! As we landed, I was removed from the aircraft for immediate medical care. Singapore Airlines provided exceptional care, but the next day required a document to be signed that I would return home and abort my onward travel plans. I was disappointed that our plans were disrupted, and I was unable to be present at several events.
The disciples of Jesus were accompanying Him on a special mission. There was an element of urgency involved; the daughter of the moderator of the synagogue was on her deathbed. They had to hurry along . . . Then they were interrupted. (Mark 5:21-42) Suddenly Jesus posed an incredible question: “Who touched my clothes?” (Mark 5:30) Perhaps you and I would have also been as frustrated as the disciples that day. Amid a milling crowd surrounding the Master, His question seemed futile. But to Jesus it was a “Ministry moment.” There was a suffering woman. Her sickness had rendered her ceremonially unclean. She was barred from participating in community life for 12 long years. (Leviticus 15:25-27) And, while ministry to this lady took place, they were interrupted with the news that the daughter of Jairus had breathed her last.
It must have been disappointing that the opportunity to help her had been missed. However, this delay was an opportunity to encounter the awesome power of Jesus! We serve a God who withholds no good thing from them that walk uprightly before Him. (Psalm 84:11c) Our disappointment may very well be God’s appointment to reveal Himself to us in a greater measure. So may we not permit our disappointments to undermine appointments God has planned for us!