overcoming Disappointment and Discouragement
This week’s sermon by Dr. Vickylextar continued the series on false expectations using the story of Yeshua’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His crucifixion (Hosanna to Crucify Him). Disappointment generally emanates from false expectations. As such, a prudent way to deal with it is to understand whomever the disappointing action came from. So I wish to share with you how ”overcoming disappointment and discouragement” can easily enter into our life. Remember, in the story of the feeding of the 5,000 as accounted in the book of John (6:26-27), Christ reprimanded His disciples for their misplaced expectations based on their need and not on the actual reason for Christ’s presence on earth. Yeshua answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
As Christians and like the disciples, we do the same often with God, praying out of context, we have all kinds of expectations that are not in alignment with God’s will and when these expectations are not met we become disappointed and discouraged. This is clearly articulated in James 4:3 ‘You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires’.
The scripture clearly instructs to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all our desires shall be added unto us. Our relationship with God is love based and He has clearly stated that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). What then justifies our false expectations and disappointment when we do not walk in His love and righteousness?
The truth of the matter is even when disappointed and unjustifiably so, God is always reaching out hoping to bring us to an expected end in Him because His plans for us are good. Martha and Mary were disappointed with Yeshua because He didn’t show up on time leading to Lazarus’ death. Their disappointment did not preclude them from welcoming Yeshua and the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead thereof. The moral of the story is that whether our disappointment and/or discouragement is warranted or not, we should continue to trust and obey for there is no other way to be content in God. Remember it is not about our rights but God’s righteousness, God leads us to triumph and not perish as such lets be strong and courageous in the Lord without excuses (Joshua 1:6-7).
Pastor David, July 14, 2022
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