Things didn’t go according to plan. In fact the things you hoped to accomplish seem far, far away from your reach and your grasp. You are facing disappointment. Disappointment reflects that something or someone failed to meet our hopes and our expectations. Disappointment can easily lead to discouragement. It certainly causes feelings of sadness and sorrow.
Paul understood disappointment well. He was often disappointed by people who betrayed him. He faced hardships and accusations. He suffered. Paul understood the antidote to disappointment was to rejoice and to hope. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ” (Romans 5:3–5, NIV84)
The very thing that disappoints you today is a seed that when given to God can prove and develop our character. Disappointment can make us stronger if we will persevere and stay the course that God has given us. Disappoint given to God is an opportunity to once again grow in the love of God.
When I face disappointment there are some things I must do.
First, I never react to the disappointment. When I feel the pangs of disappointment, I must spend time with God. I share with the Lord how I am feeling and the heaviness of my heart. “”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ” (Matthew 11:28, NIV84) Once I have shared my disappointed heart with Jesus, I find that I am able to respond to the situation and not react.
I respond to the disappointment in accordance with the Scripture. If someone failed me, I must respond with grace and love. When I can respond with grace and love I demonstrate and flow in the power of the Holy Spirit. I empower and release God to work in the situation. If a circumstance disappointed me I must seek God’s answer to the problem.
Disappointment is an opportunity to overcome. Overcomes gain authority. “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ” (1 John 5:4, NIV84)
Let your disappointment drive you closer to seeking God. God promises His hope will never disappointment. God’s plans cannot be thwarted and his purposes endure. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV84)
