Here are three more types of disappointment you’ll face in life:
1) Disappointment in those you work with and depend on
To succeed, you need people; you can’t make it without them. And when those people fail you it’s very painful. Imagine Moses’ disappointment. He leaves his brother Aaron in charge while he attends a summit conference with God and receives the Ten Commandments.
Returning, he finds Israel in anarchy, idolatry and unspeakable perversion. Where’s Aaron? Leading the rebellion! When Moses needs him most, Aaron fails him miserably. But watch Moses; true leadership shines in deep disappointment.
He confronts Aaron, takes the mess to God for resolution, and prays forgiveness for Israel. God listens, then reminds Moses of his assignment. [It's disappointing, Moses but] Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them (Exodus 32:34 KJV).Disappointment doesn’t cancel your assignment or God’s presence. Do what He sent you to do.
2) Disappointment in those you’ve poured your life into
Moses was the founding Pastor of The Church of the Critical and the Ungrateful, a congregation of former slaves, delivered, abundantly blessed, en route to the Promised Land, but without a shred of loyalty or gratitude for the man who put everything on the line to make it possible.
Fresh out of Egypt they turn on Moses, accusing, blaming and berating him (Exodus 14).
Was Moses disappointed and hurt? Yes. But each time he wanted to quit he’d discuss it with God, pray for his complaining flock, receive fresh orders from headquarters and return to work. It’s what God-called men and women do when they’re disappointed and feel like giving up.
3) Disappointment in ourselves
It’s potentially the most debilitating kind of disappointment because it can throw you into a downward spiral that’s hard to stop or recover from.
Peter had sworn undying love and fidelity to Jesus.Lord, “Even if all men give up and turn away because of You, I will never, even if I have to die with You, I will never say I do not know You”(Matthew 26:33-35 KJV), and he meant every word of it. But under the pressure surrounding the crucifixion he yields, and three times denies, knowing Jesus.
Later, remembering Jesus’ words, Before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times, Peter, heartbroken by his own dismal failure, went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:55-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27). Ever asked, God, how can you possibly use someone as messed up as me? Peter failed to meet his own expectations and went on a downer. But Jesus wasn’t shocked. He was well aware of Peter’s flaws when he called him into the ministry. He also knew that his blustering, outspoken disciple had a tender heart, so He extended grace to him rather than remove him from office.
So when you face failure:
