“I Am Disappointed in God”

At one point in my life, I was once disappointed in God. When my father underwent prostate surgery, I had high hopes that he would recover. In reality, my father's condition worsened after the operation, and in the end he passed away.

Life does not always bring only sweet things. There are times when someone is deeply disappointed in others, even God. Usually this happens when reality does not match expectations or effort.

Then, what should we do when we experience great disappointment in life, and especially in God?

Disappointment Is Normal

If we are disappointed in a spouse, a coworker, or anyone else, even God, it is best not to let that disappointment make us refuse to submit to God, much less reject Him.

Let us learn from the story of John the Baptist in Luke 7:18-35.

When John heard about all these things from his disciples, he called two of them and sent them to ask the Lord: "Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" – Luke 7:18-19

John the Baptist was in prison. He had been thrown there because he rebuked Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for taking Herodias, his brother's wife (Matthew 14:3-4) as well as for all his other evil deeds (Luke 3:19-20). John's disciples were allowed to visit him in prison, and through them, he learned what Jesus was doing.

So why did John doubt Jesus?

Because what Jesus was doing did not match his expectations.

When John's two disciples delivered John's question to Jesus, His answer was, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of Me." – Luke 7:22-23

3 Solutions When Disappointed

Learning from the story of John the Baptist, there are three things we can do when we are disappointed:

1. Remember the good things that God has done for us

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Whatever God allows to happen, even if it is contrary to our desires, will surely be beautiful in its time. If God calls home the people we love, or takes away our possessions, it must be for a good purpose.

Even through various disappointing events, God wants us to understand that everything we have is His gift. There are many beautiful things that God has done in our lives. For example, we get a job, we get married, we live in the Lord'schurch, we are healthy. Or our siblings become disciples of Jesus, our parents' work is blessed, and many more.

Those good things are God'sblessings. When we are disappointed, remember the best things that God has done for us.

2. Strengthen Others

When we focus on the unpleasant things that God allows to happen, we become negative in our thinking and spiritually weak. On the other hand, when we help people who are struggling and strengthen them, we ourselves will be strengthened. We realize there are others whose challenges are heavier than ours.

Learn from Jesus. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law rejected Him and were always looking for His faults. The people of Nazareth rejected Him after He declared that what the prophet Isaiah had spoken had been fulfilled (Matthew 12:16-18).

What wrong or sin did Jesus commit? None. He always loved people and proclaimed the truth of the Word of God. After all that Jesus did for humanity, He had every right to be disappointed. Yet Jesus chose to keep loving and serving as many people as possible. He strengthened the weak, healed the sick, and gave comfort.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD, your God, goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

3. Do not leave God

You have the right to ask anything of God for whatever reason. However, you need to know that God does not always grant what you ask. Just like a child who honors and submits to his parents, even if what he asks for is not granted, we should not leave God. Do not be like a child who refuses discipline, who runs away from home when his wishes are not fulfilled (Proverbs 1:8).

God never promised that when we faithfully follow Him, the burdens of our lives will be made lighter, or that we will be kept away from bad things. Even Jesus' disciples such as Peter, James, Thomas, or Paul often experienced terrible events in their ministry. Yet they remained faithful and never left God.

When you are deeply disappointed with life, respond by remembering all the goodness of God that you have enjoyed. Look at those who carry heavy burdens, and strengthen them. Most importantly, keep trusting that everything God does for our lives and for the people welove is surely the best. Amen!

* Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related articles: Signs of Depression You Do Not Realize

Inspiration video: