Disappointments

<<frustration>>

We all have unmet desires or expectations, of not being ministered to by our wants. These let-downs are a part of life to keep us humble and reveal our allegiance. Do we follow Jesus for what we can get or is there a higher

What is my reaction when disappointed?

motive of love for the salvation we have received? One of the main areas to guard is our reaction to these low points in our daily walk by not allowing bitterness or resentment to take root when our desires do not eventuate as we prayed and hoped they would. Yield your rights and let the flesh die, and, although there can be a period of grieving, be aware of self-pity that can cripple us. If it was a failure by a lack of effort and commitment on your part, get up and have another try with increased effort and reliance on Him.

Being disappointed and disillusioned about some failed spiritual expectation and is often the cause for backsliding. Don’t let these 'crisis of faith' experiences turn you from your devotion to God, but rather use them to drive you closer to “the source of all comfort”, telling Him how you really feel and giving the problem to Him, determined to follow Him regardless of what happens (Job 13:15; 2 Cor 1:3,4; 1 Pet 5:7). Take comfort in Scriptures such as "He know the path I take; when He has tested me I will come forth as gold...My times are in your hands" (Job 23:10; Ps 31:15).

Feeling disappointed and disillusioned with God's 'performance' is the emotional reaction when we consider He did not perform in the manner we think He should have by not answering our prayers our way. We are prone to question His sovereignty and goodness, resulting in grumbling and complaining about the events in our lives. Yet He must be disappointed with us on a regular basis when we fail to

Do I trust God that He knows what He is doing?

even remotely measure up to His standards. The Bible clearly states, "My ways are higher than your ways" (Isa 55:9). He has an eternal perspective, while we generally just have a short-term selfish outlook. Later when we look back, we thank Him for not answering our prayer in the way we wanted.

Rather than being unable to act as we think He should, it is because He chooses not to. He is not committed to meeting our self-centred desires for comfort but instead wants to develop Godly character in us (Gal 5:22,23). He works according to His perfect and holy will in order to bring about His righteous purposes with nothing happening contrary to His plans. Whatever He does for us His children, will be for our benefit whether we recognise it at the time or not (Rom 8:28). Consequently, the key to avoid being disappointed with God is to align our will with His and submit to His will in all things. Our continual heart attitude should be, "Not my will but yours be done" (Lk 22:42). Our perspective is to change from the temporary and earthly focus to that of eternity through the virtue of faith for without faith it is impossible to please God (2 Cor 4:18, 5:7; Heb 11:6). Everything occurs by His prescription or permission according to His sovereign purposes and ways which are beyond our comprehension (Rom 11:33).

“Hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us” (Rom 5:5). Other people will let us down and we will suffer emotional hurt but He binds up the broken hearted if we give Him the pieces (Isa 61:1). We must remember nothing can separate us from His love therefore don't allow Satan to gain the advantage when you are down (Rom 8:38,39).