When Disappointment Turns to Glory
It has been an interesting week. I’m editing this post as late as possible, because what began as a week full of anticipation turned drastically into disappointment but ended in God’s glory and abundant mercy.
As the week began, the closing date of selling our house was only a few days away. But suddenly, we were hit with an inconvenient detour as the sale was paused. We had to restart the entire process. The stress was heavy, and our minds raced with endless what-ifs. Each morning it felt like being hit with a brick of anxiety as soon as I woke up.
And yet, here is the beauty of walking in a fully engaged life with Jesus: our response to both trial and triumph is the beginning of God’s provision. Without surrendering to Him in those moments, I know my pride and insecurities would have led me down a path of fear and frustration. But when I surrender my response—both in the valley and on the mountaintop—God reshapes my perspective and reminds me of His glory. Scripture tells us that “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).
Can I be honest? That is challenging—especially since I’m a control freak who feels the need to fix everything. It’s my pride that misguides me away from this truth. But when I return to a posture of prayer and praise, remembering that it is all for God and all to God, there is freedom.
Here are three truths God pressed on my heart this week (and every week):
1. Trials Test Our Faith, but They Also Refine It
The delay in selling our home felt like a setback, but Scripture reminds us that trials have purpose. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4).
What if this delay wasn’t meant to discourage me, but to deepen my trust in God? Each anxious morning was also an invitation to hand my fears over to Him again. The testing isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.
I believe one of the greatest testing grounds is in the area of finances. For us, tithing was a step of faith that stretched us to spiritual maturity. About 15 years ago, just out of college and starting new jobs, our faith was tested in this area. Now, giving the tithe is non-negotiable.
Money is powerful. It drives decisions, shapes priorities, and can so easily become an idol. But when we surrender our resources to God, it becomes an act of worship and trust. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Trusting God with our finances builds a foundation of faith that resonates through every trial. As Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”
Every trial, even financial ones, is an opportunity for God to refine our faith and remind us that He is the true Provider.
2. God’s Timing Is Always Better Than Our Own
I wanted the house sold on my timeline. Admittedly, I tried to control the entire situation, even as things started to unravel at the beginning of last week. Do you know what happens when a control freak doesn’t get what they want? They (me) get bitter and resentful. Instead of running to God for healing and hope, I spun my wheels trying to fix everything in my own strength.
My plans. Over and over again—my plans. How ridiculous when compared to God’s perfect will! As Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Planning is good and aligns with scripture, but we must hold those plans loosely. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
God doesn’t work according to our deadlines, but according to His design. What looks like delay to us may actually be protection or redirection. As Isaiah 55:8–9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Waiting on God is not wasted time. It is a holy posture of faith. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). And again, “Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3).
Waiting doesn’t mean passivity—it means worship, prayer, and trust while He arranges what we cannot.
3. Glory Shines Brighter After the Valley
By the end of the week, God showed up in ways I couldn’t have scripted. What started with disappointment ended with reminders of His faithfulness. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
If this verse wasn’t true, there would be no Christian faith. The early church endured far greater trials—persecution, imprisonment, exile, even death. And yet, through the darkest valleys, the glory of God shone brighter.
My house sale troubles pale in comparison, but they remind me that God’s glory always rises out of the ashes of our struggles. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
The delays, the stress, the unknowns—all became the backdrop for His glory to shine. And when His glory breaks in, it puts everything into perspective.
Even more, I began to see how God was weaving His story through this situation. After the original sale fell through, new Christ-followers became involved in the process, and they too will benefit. God’s hand was not only working in my life but in theirs. What looked like a setback was actually an opportunity for His people to be blessed and His name to be glorified.
Final Thought
This week has been a fresh reminder that both trials and triumphs are opportunities to draw closer to Jesus. Disappointments are temporary, but God’s faithfulness is eternal.
The next time you or I wake up with the weight of worry, may we choose to run to the One who turns every setback into a story of His glory. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).