Disappointment

Not This AgainWeek 4 – Disappointment

The faces of disappointment:

1. Anger
2. Anxiety
3. Apathy

Matthew 11:1-6 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them... And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Job 38:1-3, 42:1-6 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

Isaiah 49:23 Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.

Not This Again - Week 4

Disappointment

We all have a “history”, but remember, your history does not determine your destiny. History creates perspective. We all see the world based on those things that we have experienced. This allows us to interpret what we experience and often influences our reactions. Disappointment happens when we look at our history and realize our life is different than the plans we had.

1.) Is there an accomplishment you had as a goal when you were younger, that now as you look back creates disappointment because you have not reached it? When you are focused on the past, your “history”, it can decrease your ability to move forward in your relationships. In your relationships at home, at work, and with God.

2.) Can you define an experience that is holding you back from moving forward in your relationships? Has disappointment hijacked your happiness in a particular area? Disappointment shows its face in our emotions. Particularly…. A.) Anger. (This one affects men the most). B.) Anxiety (This one affects women the most). C.) Apathy

3.) Can you give an example when you have noticed one or more of these emotions showing its face because of disappointment? How can you recognize when this is happening and adjust your thinking and your heart to look forward instead of backward?

4.) Which one of these emotions do you relate to the most? Which one scares you the most and why?

5.) What has gotten in the way of your goals? I often say to Leah, “If we didn’t have kids, we would be millionaires”. I should never say it that way again. I should say, “Thank God we aren’t millionaires!”.

Disappointment comes from looking at our past and comparing it to our present. Disappointment with God comes when we regret that we haven’t lived out our plan, while taking for granted that we are living out His plan for us.

When I was a young man, about 25 or so, I had a client in the construction industry who was much older than me. We enjoyed spending time together and had a bunch of wonderful conversations. When he told me that he had cancer and was going to die I was pretty torn up. I will never forget what he said to me. “I had a plan for my life and God had a plan for my life. I’ll take God’s plan and be thankful” I wasn’t even a Christian and I was in awe of this man’s faith in God’s plan. I miss ole George Reichenater.

God is taking on much bigger things. God has a plan for us, and He has a plan for all of us. Understand that we are part of something bigger.

Maybe we need to hold on to what is and not be so enamored with what should be. Stay Faithful to God’s plan. We all have plans for our life and unless we give those plans to God, we will continue to face disappointment. When we turn to Him, we can begin to understand that His plans for us are better.

6.) How can we get to a point where we realize we are right where we are supposed to be? Further reading Matthew 11:1-6 Job 31:1-3, 42:1-6 Isaiah 49:23