This past December I attended a high school basketball game—not an unusual event for the month. But what was unique about this game wasn’t what took place on the court, but what I witnessed on the bench. One of the players who had started in the previous game wasn’t starting this night. As a matter of fact, he only played about a minute in each half. The player was obviously disappointed when he came out of the game after only being in for a minute. He even politely asked the coach, “What did I do?” I could read the coach’s lips as he replied, “You didn’t do anything wrong.” Disappointed, the player took his spot on the bench.

Before long, this young athlete visibly shook off his disappointment. He began encouraging his team from his spot on the bench. He was the first to stand to cheer after a basket, the first to offer a hand when a player came out of the game, the first to encourage his teammates during a time out. He did this regardless of his disappointing circumstances.

I was challenged by his response. Certainly, life doesn’t always go the way we hope. We are often disappointed by our circumstances, but it’s what we do to make sure we don’t stay in that disappointment that makes us as Christians look different. We have an opportunity to respond to every situation as Jesus would and to show the world a better way.

Today, in your disappointment, look for a declaration from Scripture and for God’s promises. His declarations will dig you out of any disappointment you may be facing. Ask Him—the living Christ—to give you the strength to endure any and all circumstances.