Disappointments

"Then He came and found them sleeping and said to Peter, 'Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?'                  Mark 14:37   NKJV

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus became disturbed and told Peter, James and John, who He had taken along for back up, to stay where they were and watch and pray. Jesus went further on and became so distressed that He sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:44). When He returned to Peter and the others, they were sleeping, hence His reaction in our text above. In fairness, they still didn't know what was happening so, failed to feel the urgency of it all. He must have been so disappointed at this stage.

In fact, Jesus Himself must have been disappointed with his disciples many times.  Paul also experienced disappointment several times during his ministry, as with the Galatian church so quickly turning away from the gospel (Gal 3:11,20). Let's be honest, Jesus must have been disappointed with us quite a lot since we came to know Him. We let Him down so much but, how loving He is with His forgiveness. People in this world need to adopt this attitude. Bob Gass says, 'It's the attitude with which you approach your problem that largely determines the outcome.' 

How do you react to disappointment? Do you become angry because you feel so let down? And do you use words that you know are wrong because you are so hurt and disappointed? People react in many different ways. But it's our attitude that decides how things are going to go. Look at Jesus' attitude - disappointed? Yes He would have been. Did He have a feeling of being let down? More than likely. But He didn't blast His disciples out. What He was doing in the garden that day, was extremely difficult for Him to approach. It was make or break time and, He was struggling with His humanity. However, He didn't let rip on the others. He knew their hearts and knew, they were confused by everything.

Disappointment can lead us to utter words that we know are wrong. It can lead to arguments and in some cases, break up relationships. But let us not forget, that we're only human and far from being perfect. Think back, you must have disappointed people in the past. How do you feel they felt? It may have been your parents, your family, your bosses or church leaders. Some of these may have held a grudge against you because of it. But, then again, they may have forgiven you instead. And this is how we should react when we are disappointed.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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