“For the scripture says whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11


Disappointment.

Nobody likes it. Everybody experiences it.

As you and I enter the New Year, I want to address disappointment. Why? Because disappointment is disappointing! And I don’t believe you or I want to begin 2012 disappointed.

It is a fact of life that if we don’t handle disappointment in a positive way, disappointment will handle us in a negative manner. Success or failure has a lot do to with how we deal with disappointment.

As Christians, a mark of maturity in Christ is how you and I deal with disappointment. In our verse for this week, Paul declares that whoever believes in Christ we will not be disappointed. Paul clearly states that Jesus will never disappoint His followers. Paul’s words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, were also forged out of the fires of disappointment.

Paul experienced more than his share of personal suffering and disappointment. Paul defends his ministry in II Corinthians 11. In verses 22-33, he describes his encounters with disappointing circumstances. Chew on his disappointment list for a while. The next time you think you are having a bad day and tempted to throw a pity-poor-me-party, think again! Then ask God to forgive you for feeling that your disappointments are the end of the world.

Sources of Disappointment

1. Life will disappoint us. Life will let us down from time to time. Disappoint is a fact of life in this fallen world. Life can definitely work against us. The world system we live in is not rooting for us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Life often opposes our efforts to live for the Lord, delivering disappointment to our doorstep.

2. People will disappoint us. Human beings, like you and me, disappoint human beings. People disappointment cuts deep. It is heartbreaking when people we look to and trust let us down through disappointment. Each of us can recall when someone disappointed us. We know how awful that felt. We need to remember that we have disappointed others too…and made them feel bad.

3. We will disappoint us. Some of our deepest disappointments are with us. You and I can beat ourselves up pretty good when we bring disappointment upon on our selves. I don’t like the fact that I will disappoint myself. But I will and I must deal with it a healthy, redemptive manner.

4. The devil will disappoint us. Satan, our arch spiritual enemy, will never do anything but disappoint us. He is a liar, thief and murderer, hell bent on destroying our faith in Christ. One of the devil’s most effective strategies is to discourage Christians through disappointment. Discouragement can lead to doubt. Doubt can turn into despair. Despair caused by disappointment can tempt us to abandon the faith.

The good news is that God is never the source of disappointment. God will never disappoint us. It is not possible for God to disappoint….disappointment is not in His character. Disappointing His children is not an attribute of our Father in heaven.

Disappointment is not God’s appointment for you and me.

Three Positive Steps For Dealing With Disappointment

• Be realistic about disappointment. Disappointment happens. Don’t deny disappointment. Call disappointment what it is…..disappointment. Face it head on. Don’t excuse it. Don’t cover it up. Deal with it. Overcome it. Turn disappointment into an opportunity to move forward in life.
• Take responsibility for disappointment. If you disappointed yourself or someone else, own it. No blame shifting or pointing of the finger. Take personal responsibly for irresponsible conduct. Be proactive, not reactive. Do something positive about it. Turn disappointment into an appointment to do better next time.

• Release disappointment to God. Cast your disappointments on the Lord. He can handle them. Shut the door on disappointment. Slam the door on self-pity. Stop dwelling on disappointment. Delete your disappointment files. Don’t drag 2011’s disappointments into 2012.

Struggling with disappointment? Surrender your disappointments to the Lord. Ask Him to heal your heart and strengthen you for the battles ahead. Seek God’s wisdom. Be discerning. Learn how to make disappointment work for you in the future.

Enter 2012 encouraged in the God who will never disappoint you.

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed (disrupted or disappointed.” Isaiah 28:16

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

A Word For Your Week: The Lord Jesus Christ will never disappoint you.