Parallels: Home and Spiritual Renovation—Delays and Disappointments

(This is part of a series on what I learned through the process of renovating our home, and the parallels to a life yielded to and experiencing God’s work in renovating our life and spirit)

Delays are part of the construction process.

There were a few times when the wrong construction materials were delivered to our house and work had to pause until the right supplies arrived.  One time our framing contractor had to send his crew home early because the supplier of the construction materials failed to deliver a micro-laminate beam essential to the framing of our 3-Season porch.  This delay created a setback in the overall schedule of work. It was disappointing, but we adapted and shifted focus to other areas of construction.

Delays are part of our spiritual life

Things don’t necessarily happen within our planned or preferred timeline. We become anxious when we encounter delays. We can feel slighted or forgotten when a promise is broken, or something goes wrong. We wonder if and when a prayer will be answered. We question what direction or action that we should be taking.  Yet even in the most difficult of days, God never leaves us alone and on our own, as the Bible states:

 “Praise to God who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19)

God is able to take care of you and your problems, in His perfect way and timing.

Contractors sometimes disappoint

One of our hired contractors failed to show up on the day he promised to start work on a basement project. When I called to find out what was going on, he apologized and said it was due to unforeseen problems on a job he was trying to finish. I told him it was okay but reminded him that good, timely communication on his part helps me schedule other work and also nurtures a good working relationship. Unfortunately, the delays happened a few more times. Each time the contractor had a different reason for not showing up: lack of help, weather, family matters, and other jobs. My patience was tested as I needed to adjust and move on to other tasks while waiting for him to get started. When he finally did begin the work, he came and went several times, leaving a mess that I had to clean up. I was relieved when the work was finally completed while being somewhat disappointed in the quality of the work as well as his communications and delays.

People sometimes fail us

The sad truth is that people will at times let us down. Even our closest friends can fail us. People don’t always come through, and sometimes hurt us. The result is that we can feel neglected, damaged, and even betrayed. I’ve experienced this in big and little ways and know how hard it is to move forward when people hurt us or leave us high and dry.

It’s also important to remember that we all have an unseen enemy who wants to use those hurts and disappointments to drive a wedge between us and God. His objective is to isolate us and destroy our hope, heart and being. In those times it is critically important to bring every emotion, problem, fear, and yes, every person to God.  When we seek and experience a deeper union with God, we unleash His power and love over our life and future. God alone brings healing and hope to our soul.

Several years ago, God laid a song in my heart that addresses disappointments and failures in our relationships. It is entitled “People Fail Us” and is a reminder that God is faithful and true, through delays, disappointments, hurts, and setbacks.  I hope it encourages you as you listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDBoKKFf0kw

Whatever delays, disappointments, betrayals, and hurts you are carrying— as well as any you have caused— I hope you will cast them onto God, who is able to carry your burdens and restore your soul.

God bless you!

Chris Atkins