Dealing With Disappointment, Part 5

Life 101: Disappointment In Life Is Guaranteed!

Webster defines disappointment as "when expectations fail to be met, producing anger, frustration, sadness, and discouragement."

This week we're addressing common disappointments and sharing ideas to consider:

5. YOU'RE DISAPPOINTED WITH YOURSELF.
This one is tough - I know first-hand! Disappointment with yourself is potentially the most debilitating kind of disappointment! Why? because it can throw you into a downward spiral that's hard to recover from. Peter had a sworn, undying love and loyalty to Jesus. In Matthew 26:33-75 he said "Lord, everybody else may abandon you, but not me! I'm yours till death!" And he meant every word of it. But under the pressures surrounding Jesus' crucifixion he gave in and denied knowing Jesus, not once but three times. Peter was heart-broken by his failure and went outside and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).

Peter failed to meet his own expectations and crumbled. But Jesus wasn't shocked. He was well aware of Peter's flaws when He called him into ministry. He also knew that His blustering, outspoken disciple had a tender and sincere heart. When Peter failed, Jesus extended grace to him rather than remove him from office. When Christ gave post-resurrection orders to "tell His disciples and Peter" (Mark 16:7) to meet Him in Galilee, He reaffirmed His choice of the failed disciple. The rest of Peter's story is New Testament history!

When (not if) you confront failure, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Don't add insult to injury by letting disappointment turn to dispair.
2. Humble yourself, confess, and repent (turn away) from your failure.
3. Receive God's grace and forgiveness by faith, not feelings.
4. Get whatever help you need to get back on track sooner, not later.

DO NOT let yourself, other people, or Satan convince you that you're case is beyond God's grace!