When it comes to disappointment our expectations will always determine how we feel. If we have no expectations at the beginning it won’t matter what happens and therefore we’ll have no reason to feel disappointed. Yet when I read the bible and the life God wants us to live it is full of expectations and daring to hope and believe for extraordinary things. It takes faith to live like that, but faith – trusting and believing is what pleases God.
Its important whenever we are doing anything to determine to begin and then take the necessary steps to continually be moving forward, remembering that unrealistic expectations will set us up for disappointment and can even cause us to give up.
Sometimes we may need to take alternative routes or adjust things to attain our goals. It may take months or years to get the job we really want to achieve our dream. Even the best relationships have tough times and everyone has their flaws that God is still working on.
When we do suffer a disappointment, especially when we were stepping out in faith a wise move is to face the disappointment, admit it hurts, talk to God and get His perspective and then ask the question:
Are my expectations set me up for disappointment?
Was it a God idea and plan or just a good idea?
Was I expecting it to happen overnight and it’s going to take more time? Am I being impatient and I just need to keep walking and moving forward to achieve my goal?
How can I potentially adjust things for next time?
What did I learn?
What is the silver lining; something good coming out of this situation
Disappointment can actually be something that God uses to turn things around for good in our lives because it helps us to clarify, reassess our goals and strengthen ourselves in God and His promises. It’s often when we are under pressure and feel like a failure that we find out what we are made of, who we believe and how much we are depending on our own strength, wisdom and ability instead of God’s.
Today if you are facing disappointment or the fear of it, be encouraged to take some time, catch your breath and then look to Jesus who promises that He will complete what He has started and perfect everything which concerns you.
Plus He loves and approves of us regardless of our successes or failures and nothing is ever going to change that.
“And we know that God causes everything to work for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
“For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Psalms 27:14)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you love me regardless. Please help me to undergird my faith and expectations with your promises and to always keep walking, learning and moving forward. In Jesus name amen
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