Do you have hope? Are you facing a hope killer? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about one of the biggest Hope killers that we face: disappointment.
Hope is confident, patient expectation that something good is going to happen.
No hope leads to disappointment, discouragement, doubt and despair.
We get hope by God’s promises, God’s perspective, and God’s presence.
Today’s hope killer is step one towards hopelessness: disappointment.
Disappointment occurs when what you hope for isn’t what happens.
If we feel disappointment toward God, this tells us that have fastened our faith to a result and not to a relationship.
How to defeat disappointment:
- Be aware of your expectations.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Acts 14:21-22 “After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” - Put your frustration to work.
James 1:2-5 “Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Your disappointment qualifies you for an encounter with God.
Maybe there is a lesson needed to be learned to get to the next level. We often want God to take the pain away, but He’s wanting to take us through the pain. - Repurpose your pain.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Your tragedy is not your destiny. That catastrophe was not your calling. Use your
disappointment to fuel your fight with the devil. God is not as interested in what He can do FOR you, as He is interested in what He can do IN you and THROUGH you. - Make an appointment.
Make an appointment with God
James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy”
Don’t change your theology because of your tragedy.
Make an appointment with yourself.
Psalm 105:5 “Don’t you ever forget his miracles and marvels. Hold to your heart every judgment he has decreed.” (TPT)
Are you defeating disappointment?