Dealing With Disappointment
"That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened." - Luke 24:13–14
The two disciples walking to Emmaus were the picture of disappointment. They had hoped Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel, but instead, He had been crucified. Their dreams had died with Him on the cross. Now they were walking away from Jerusalem - literally and figuratively walking away from their hopes.
We have all taken that walk to Emmaus. Maybe you had dreams for your marriage that ended in divorce. Perhaps you had plans for your career that fell apart. Maybe you had hopes for your children that have not materialized. Disappointment is one of the most painful experiences in life because it represents the death of something we valued.
But here is the beautiful part of the story: Jesus joined them on their journey. He did not appear in glory and immediately reveal who He was. Instead, He walked alongside them in their disappointment, listened to their pain, and gently began to reframe their understanding.
Sometimes our greatest disappointments become the pathway to our greatest discoveries. These disciples thought the crucifixion was the end of their hopes, but it was actually the fulfillment of God's plan. They were disappointed because they did not understand the bigger picture.
Jesus took them through the Scriptures, showing them how everything that had happened was part of God's redemptive plan. Their disappointment began to transform into wonder as they realized that God had been working even when it seemed like everything was falling apart.
When Jesus finally revealed Himself to them, their response was immediate: they got up and returned to Jerusalem. Their disappointment had been turned into determination, their discouragement into declaration. They could not wait to tell others what they had discovered.
Maybe you are on your own road to Emmaus today, walking away from dreams that have died. Let me encourage you: Jesus wants to join you on that journey. He wants to help you see the bigger picture and discover how He might be working even in your disappointment.
What disappointment do you need to invite Jesus into today? How might God be working in ways you cannot yet see?
Patient Savior, thank You for joining me in my disappointments and helping me see the bigger picture. When my dreams die and my plans fall apart, help me trust that You are still working. Open my eyes to see how You might be using even my disappointments for Your glory and my good. Turn my discouragement into hope. In Your faithful name, Amen.
The two disciples walking to Emmaus were the picture of disappointment. They had hoped Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel, but instead, He had been crucified. Their dreams had died with Him on the cross. Now they were walking away from Jerusalem - literally and figuratively walking away from their hopes.
We have all taken that walk to Emmaus. Maybe you had dreams for your marriage that ended in divorce. Perhaps you had plans for your career that fell apart. Maybe you had hopes for your children that have not materialized. Disappointment is one of the most painful experiences in life because it represents the death of something we valued.
But here is the beautiful part of the story: Jesus joined them on their journey. He did not appear in glory and immediately reveal who He was. Instead, He walked alongside them in their disappointment, listened to their pain, and gently began to reframe their understanding.
Sometimes our greatest disappointments become the pathway to our greatest discoveries. These disciples thought the crucifixion was the end of their hopes, but it was actually the fulfillment of God's plan. They were disappointed because they did not understand the bigger picture.
Jesus took them through the Scriptures, showing them how everything that had happened was part of God's redemptive plan. Their disappointment began to transform into wonder as they realized that God had been working even when it seemed like everything was falling apart.
When Jesus finally revealed Himself to them, their response was immediate: they got up and returned to Jerusalem. Their disappointment had been turned into determination, their discouragement into declaration. They could not wait to tell others what they had discovered.
Maybe you are on your own road to Emmaus today, walking away from dreams that have died. Let me encourage you: Jesus wants to join you on that journey. He wants to help you see the bigger picture and discover how He might be working even in your disappointment.
What disappointment do you need to invite Jesus into today? How might God be working in ways you cannot yet see?
Patient Savior, thank You for joining me in my disappointments and helping me see the bigger picture. When my dreams die and my plans fall apart, help me trust that You are still working. Open my eyes to see how You might be using even my disappointments for Your glory and my good. Turn my discouragement into hope. In Your faithful name, Amen.
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13 Comments
This hit home ! All glory to God. ???
Like the word is talking to me! Ain’t that something!
Alot of us have been or seen this before disappointments. But let's keep our eyes on the Lord. It may not seem easy at first but let me tell you something. It all gets better praise God for all his goodness.
We all have disappointment in our lives but Jesus never fails us and I’m so very thankful for that !! He always uplifts us through the difficult times even when we cannot see it then but it’s wonderful when later in life we look back and see that He has used that disappointment for good!! HIS GLORY ! The older I get I always wish I would have done this or that but giving it to God — He opens other doors and leads us down His path. THE TRUTH AND THE WAY AND THE LIFE !! I don’t know what to say except THANK YOU GOD FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE THRU MY DISSAPPOINTING TIMES. Looking back shows me what a WONDERFUL COUNSELOR YOU ARE AND I GIVE YOU ALL THE PRAISE , HONOR & GLORY for ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME & MY FAMILY IN JESUS PRECIOUS NAME. AMEN.
Walking through a horrible divorce and losing people I loved was the most difficult thing. God knew I needed this on time word. I believe God is at work. My disappointment will be met by our Savior. My story, my assignment isn't over. Jeremiah 29:11
Praise God for His Word! When the psalmist was feeling disappointed, he asked himself a question, “ why so downcast o’ my soul?” He also answered his own question, “ put your trust in God.” It doesn’t matter which emotion we are experiencing, we can trust God to be with us and help us to get through it! He will allow us to feel our feelings and He will also allow us to feel His presence as He comforts and delivers us! What a Mighty God we serve! Thank You Jesus for being a very present Help in our time of need! ♥️
Thank you Pastor Ed for this encouraging word!! God has gifted you to take His word and show His people the greater meaning that sometimes can be hidden to us due to pain.
Thank you for your message this morning. It’s so on point and I love that you rattled my spirit to trust this challenging time. God hasn’t failed me/us and he won’t ever fail us. God thank you for giving me strength hope and love when I’m feeling list and overwhelmed. In your holy name AMEN. ?? Again thank you Pastor Ed! God bless you ??
ThAnk you Pastor Ed. Daily I come here to feel the presence of hope, the love of God through your daily d's and sermons. Thank you so much.
I have lots of disappointments but I can for a fact Gods has helped me. He never has failed me?
Amen
amén!
Very timely word!!! God is working even in the things we can't see. Shifting my focus.