Last week we learned about the dreaded Stress Test. So today, we’re going to look at number two on our list.
The Disappointment Test
I’ve had two surgeries on my spine, and not because I enjoy it, far from it. I just spent too much time lifting heavy objects and abusing my body. My back just finally said enough is enough.
You probably know this, but disappointment is a heavy burden to carry. And my guess is some of you are carrying around some pretty major disappointments. Life just hasn’t turned out the way you had hoped it would, and it weighs you down.
Maybe your career hasn’t achieved the success you anticipated, your marriage ended badly, or you feel like your life is at a dead end. But, on the other hand, maybe you feel disappointment because someone has really let you down.
Whatever the reason, disappointment is a test of your faith and your character. And it’s time to get rid of the dead weight.
The question is, how do you pass this test?
You can pass the disappointment test by letting God meet your needs.
Do you want to know what the most disappointing thing in life is? It’s people.
Chances are that most of the heavy burden of disappointment you’re carrying around has to do with other people. They didn’t do what you had hoped they would do. They really let you down.
The reason people are such a disappointment to us is because we expect them to meet the needs only God can satisfy. And when you expect people to meet your needs, you set yourself up for disappointment.
That’s why “You should stop trusting in people to save you because people are only human; they aren’t able to help you.” (Isaiah 2:22)
Oh, people might be able to help you move, do a better job at work and even give some good advice. But our deepest needs can only be met by God.
You can deal with disappointment head-on when you realize only “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
So don’t be surprised when people let you down. That’s what people do. So instead, let God meet your needs.
You can pass the disappointment test by letting go of the past.
Just like my spine couldn’t take the weight of heavy physical labor anymore, your spiritual spine can’t take the weight of your past. So instead, it weighs you down, threatening to destroy your future.
It’s time to let it go!
You’re not meant to carry the hurt, sin, shame, guilt, and disappointment. The fact is, you can’t!
It’s time to “give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly (that’s you) to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22)
In other words, if you let him, he won’t let you fail the disappointment test.
It’s why Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Only he can give you the proper rest from carrying around the weight of a disappointing past so you can look toward a better future.
Maybe for you, letting go of your past is going to take some profound forgiveness. Do it!
The longer you hold onto unforgiveness, the longer you let your past rule your future. And the people who hurt you before end up hurting you all over again, except this time it’s in your mind, and that pollutes your heart.
It’s time to let it go!
And with the help of Jesus, you can do it. Only he has the power to break the chains that bind you.
God doesn’t call you backward to live in your past. He calls you heavenward. That’s why you need to forget “what is behind and strain toward what is ahead… and press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
