When Disappointment Strikes

This past weekend John and I were in a sporting goods store. I commented on how much Lance Armstrong has affected the sporting world after noticing all of  the Livestrong products, Lance's brand.

"He's going to be stripped of all of his titles due to charges that he was doping."

I was stunned.

Doing a little research this morning indeed it is true that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will strip him of his titles. To add further injury, Lance will also be banned from ever cycling professionally for the rest of his life. Though he has a case -- From John's and my perspective, having watched many Tours and remembering how much he was tested for doping and passing every test -- Lance has opted to focus on what he can do and not waste precious energy on what will certainly drain more of his precious life.

There is so much about the story that I don't know. But I believe I am safe in assuming that it would be an understatement to say Lance Armstrong has been disappointed.

When disappointment hits, where can we turn?

In John 11, we are told the story of Lazarus, Jesus' friend. Lazarus has died leaving two beloved sisters, also close friends of Jesus. When Jesus arrives at Lazarus' home, first Martha and then Mary make the same statement upon seeing Christ.

"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 

Jesus conversed with Martha and wept with Mary. We have a gentle Savior who speaks truth in love, and backs his claims with action.

I have no specific answer to anyone's greatest problems. But one thing I know is that the Scriptures guide us back to a Savior who is ready to instruct us and comfort us in our hardships no matter how unfair, oftentimes leaving us exposed to ridicule before men.

One day things will be made right by God Himself. God's promise is that on that last day, disgrace suffered by God's faithful followers, through success or sorrow, will be removed:

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken." Isaiah 25:7-8