A candidate campaigns for nearly a year only to see his hopes dashed on election day. An expected promotion is handed to another. An undefeated team loses in the state playoffs to a rival.

All these scenarios test our determination — and even our faith — in what we are doing to accomplish our own goals in life. In each case cited above, dealing with disappointment is not easy when the present rears up and seems to subvert our future plans. The desire to render public service, to excel in our work or achieve a long-held goal all are worthy efforts. But when we suffer a setback, the uncertainty we feel at the moment is often hard to reconcile with our past performances. Our carefully sketched progress is interrupted and we often feel lost and alone.

"In the world, ye shall have tribulations," the Lord has said. (See John 16:33).

As we deal with disappointments, we need to understand that this temporary blip in our lives is just that — temporary. We often cannot see the bigger picture because we are consumed by our grief and misery. But from our disappointments we can learn a number of lessons. First, we know that not everything runs as smoothly as planned. Second, as we continue to plan for the future, we must also prepare for contingencies we may not have thought of before, or that we dismissed as unlikely. Third, we should not be too surprised when our future turns out much differently than we expected.

President Hugh B. Brown, a former counselor in the First Presidency, once was up for a promotion in the British Canadian Army but it was denied him. Years later, he remarked that his life then took a turn that he could not imagine at the time, but he realized losing that promotion — though bitterly disappointing at the time — was one of the best things that could have happened to him, for his family and for his spiritual growth. (See "The Currant Bush," New Era , January 1973.)

Nearly every day in the sports world, teams win and lose. How athletes, coaches and fans deal with the winning and losing says a lot about their character. Sometimes teams can build on losses, so that the next time the team knows it can overcome disappointment through better effort or planning.

The Lord has counseled His followers to accept trials for what they are, to learn patience, self-mastery, empathy and other traits that make us better individuals. Certainly we don't have to undergo a surgery to feel someone else's distress or fears. We can hold out hope and at the same time provide comfort to those who are experiencing discouragement in their lives or struggling with family difficulties.

"He that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:2-4).

Our eternal well-being does not reside in the results of elections, or promotions or among the box scores or stock listings in the newspaper. Our destiny lies in our treatment of others, our ability to obey commandments, keep sacred covenants and do all we can to build up the kingdom of God wherever we reside. We cannot fill those responsibilities if we are constantly feeling sorry for ourselves and our situations.

When a young Gordon B. Hinckley was feeling down about his missionary service, his father wrote these words to him: "Forget yourself and go to work" (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 350). That is sound advice for us all when we find ourselves discouraged. Let us work out our discouragement by losing ourselves in the service of others, by obeying righteous counsel from priesthood leaders, family members and trusted friends. By doing so, we can accomplish much and overcome our disappointments.