Faith Matters Podcast with Andi and Brian Hale Fight Disappointment Getting Unstuck by Meredith Schafer on Youversion When we are stuck, not only do we have to be vigilant to guard against discouragement, but we also have to fight disappointment that can feel like a cold, soggy blanket thrown over our lives. Disappointment can make us ruminate on the decision that cost us, the hurt that came to us through no fault of our own, or the dry bones of our dreams that we can’t bear to look at anymore. Disappointment is a destiny-killer. But it doesn’t have to be. Disappointment is a tool the enemy likes to use to keep us stuck, to make us unable to move forward. But when we believe God’s promise that no weapon formed against us will prosper, as Isaiah 54:17 reminds us, we take ground for our dreams. Put Your Dreams on Notice To get unstuck, we have to take part in the fight against disappointment by taking back our destinies. If you have ever felt like your dreams were no longer attainable, if you have ever wanted to do or be something other than you are right now, if you feel so stuck in a rut that you’re starting to pick out paint colors, take heart! Even dry bones that hear the word of the Lord must rise again. Ezekiel 37:4-5 paints a picture that translates to the dry bones of our dreams: Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” Ezekiel prophesied the word of the Lord to dead things, and they became alive! Putting your dreams on notice is prophesying to them that God’s not finished yet, and you have the faith to keep going until they come to fruition. Create New VisionSometimes we get disappointed because our vision for our destiny has gotten cloudy or dusty in that stuck place, and we can’t see as clearly as we need to to keep going. This is a great place to ask God for a new vision. When he gives you the new vision, the next steps, the way out of that rut, get excited, friend! The dry bones of your dreams can no longer be dusty and lifeless when activated by the word and hand of God. Keep fighting disappointment, knowing that the Lord has your back. Whatever he has put in motion cannot be stopped, even by getting stuck. Action: Speak Ezekiel 37:4-5 over your dreams. You might feel awkward or weird at first but speaking the word of the Lord is the most powerful thing you can do.Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. Ezekiel 37:4‭-‬5 "no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 Prayer: God–I need you to help me fight against disappointment. Help me put my dreams on notice that I will no longer be stuck in this place. Please show me what new vision you have for my life, and then give me the courage to implement it. Thank you for making dead things come to life! In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, amen.