Disappointment

 Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  

1.  Others disappoint us.

We are disappointed when someone whom we trust lets us down.

We expected more from them. They gave us their word. They started out with enthusiasm and skill. We depended on them. We are hurt that they let us down.

2.  We disappoint ourselves.

I failed. I should have followed through - but I didn't. I intended to do it but I got busy. I forgot. I had other things to do. Now I feel guilty and I avoid facing them or the situation.

I wanted to reach that goal, to achieve that level, to finish that task - but I didn't.

Last night as we prayed and tucked our granddaughter into bed, (she is turning nine this week), she said some very grownup words. "I need to achieve my full potential," she said. Then we talked about what God wanted for her and what would keep her from her full potential. We pray that she will always have that attitude - wanting to be her best.

What is keeping us from our full potential? What are we going to do about it?

3.   Sometimes we feel that God has disappointed us. The answer we wanted doesn't seem to come and we grow impatient.

Disappointments come when our expectations aren't met, even when our expectations are unrealistic. Some people have such high expectations that they may never be satisfied.

   A child may want a pony without having any facility to care for one.

   A teenage girl may want to marry the football hero or film star.

Be careful what you want -you just might get it.

God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present. We see only what is in front of us at the present time - God knows the outcome and He is concerned for our soul. He knows what is best for us - even when we do not.

God has a plan. He is never too late, never too early. He says,

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3 TLB

Everyone has times of disappointment and discouragement but we must not dwell on what we DON'T have but on what we HAVE. The Lord is still in control

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Turning our disappointments over to our Lord Jesus Christ,

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth