As much as we don’t want to experience disappointments or failure if we are going to ever step out and do or be anything we will face the risk or reality of disappointment.
However one of the keys to not becoming paralysed to inaction or being knocked down by disappointment is to undergird our decisions and expectations with the understanding that regardless of what happens God remains unchanging and consistent. His love for us never runs out, alters or will fail. Even when we may suffer a loss or discouragement He remains the same and because of that we can always lean on and go to Him for strength, wisdom and comfort.
There are no guarantees that everything we attempt is going to be without pressure or tough times. In fact Jesus warns us we would have trials, but He also said He had overcome them and with Him by our side and empowering us we too will overcome. (John 16:33)
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 actually start and to then take the necessary steps to move forward, remembering that unrealistic expectations will set us up for disappointment and prevent us from learning and growing and can even cause us to give up in disappointment when we simply needed to keep moving forward.
We may sometimes 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 or to achieve our dream. Even the best relationships have tough moments 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 ourself:
Do 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; the making of lemonade out of lemons in this situation?
I’ve discovered that disappointment can actually be something that God uses to turn things around for good because it helps us to clarify, reassess our goals and to strengthen ourselves in God and His promises. It’s 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 unto Jesus the author and finisher of your faith who promises that He will complete what He has started in you and will perfect everything which concerns you. He loves and approves of us regardless of our success 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 Word and promises and to take the steps you lead me in as I keep walking, learning and moving forward. In Jesus name amen