Ever look forward to something and it didn’t work out? Or maybe it did?! You’re not alone.

🙁 Looking forward to something… and it didn’t work out:

Moses not entering the Promised Land

• Reference: Deuteronomy 3:23–28; Numbers 20:1–13

• Summary: After leading Israel for 40 years, Moses longed to enter the Promised Land. But because he disobeyed God at Meribah by striking the rock instead of speaking to it, God told him he would not cross over into Canaan. He could only see it from a distance.

• Emotionally: Moses had poured his life into this mission—and yet the final reward would not be his. It’s a moment of both heartbreak and divine justice.

“But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. ‘That’s enough,’ the Lord said. ‘Do not speak to me anymore about this matter.’” – Deut. 3:26

🙂 Looking forward to something… and it did work out:

Simeon sees the Messiah

• Reference: Luke 2:25–32

• Summary: Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn’t die before seeing the Messiah. He lived with that hope for years—and then one ordinary day, he held baby Jesus in his arms in the temple.

• Emotionally: This is a powerful image of patient hope fulfilled. His joy is so full, he says he can die in peace.

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation…” – Luke 2:29–30