Section 1 is called Preparing
for the Journey of Life. We face this journey because as sinners we
are living outside the garden of Eden. In the journey we will be disappointed.
‘Disappointment is the sadness experienced when people or circumstances do not
fulfill our expectations.’ Disappointment is not limited to humans, but God the
Father and Jesus experience it as well to some extent.
Section 2 examines several
features of the Land of Disappointment through which we travel. Work can
bring disappointments but we can respond with contentment and faithful service.
Relationships bring disappointment, whether in marriage or in what one’s family
does. The church, particularly its leadership, can bring disappointment because
of bad examples or bad decisions. We are also disappointed by what we find
within ourselves, although confession of our sins should be our response. Even
God can seem to disappoint us when providence seems to be against us. So there
is a range of disappointing situations that can come our way, sometimes in
isolation or sometimes together. Yet they can all be opportunities for
spiritual growth.
Section
3 considers helps to spiritual growth during such times. We must remind
ourselves that God has a plan, that Jesus is sufficient, that we have plenty to
be grateful for, and that our faith is being tested as we run the Christian
race. These are the certainties that keep us going as we travel through the
Land of Disappointment.
This very helpful book deals with a common experience of Christians. Disappointment marks
our steps and often finds new areas in which it can unleash its strength. It is
a spiritual barrier that we have to overcome often while the cause of the
disappointment is present and shows no sign of going away. It is a book for all
Christians because we have all been there, and it can help us interact with
others who are experiencing it, including Christians and others we speak to all
the time.
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