Patterns of Disappointment

John 11:35

“Jesus wept. “

Reflections

Facing disappointment leads us to the question: If God is all-knowing and powerful, why do we experience pain and sorrow?

We are innately aware that sadness and suffering are not things we desire. It’s ingrained in us—we long for something better. We work to provide for ourselves so hunger is satisfied. We avoid certain choices to protect ourselves from pain. Deep inside, we long for goodness, justice, and peace.

It doesn’t matter where you were born, who raised you, or what you have been given—there is a desire in every heart for something more. So when disappointment comes, we wrestle inside. We fight for what feels fair. We long for things to be made right.

Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s household with all the privileges of a prince, yet he longed to belong with his people (Exodus 1–2). The Israelites were miraculously freed from slavery, yet they grumbled about their circumstances (Numbers 11). Hannah had a husband who cherished her, yet she longed for a son (1 Samuel 1). Martha had the opportunity to serve Jesus, yet she resented that her sister sat at His feet instead (Luke 10:38–42). Over and over in Scripture, we see people struggling with unmet expectations and unfulfilled desires.

Even Jesus experienced sorrow—He was betrayed by close friends, misunderstood, and faced suffering beyond human comprehension. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as He prepared to bear the weight of sin, He modeled for us how to respond when our circumstances feel overwhelming (Matthew 26:36–46).

1. He acknowledged the struggle: “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (v. 41). Disappointment is part of life in a broken world. Recognizing our weakness leads us to depend on God’s strength.
2. He aligned His heart with the Father’s will: “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done” (v. 42, 44). Surrendering our expectations allows us to trust in God’s greater plan.
3. He chose obedience and trust: “Rise, let us be going” (v. 46). Instead of resisting the pain ahead, He stepped forward with confidence in the Father’s purpose.

Disappointment is real, but it doesn’t have to define us. When we face unmet expectations, will we follow Jesus’ example—acknowledging the struggle, aligning with God’s will, and trusting Him fully?

Prayer

Lord, I recognize the patterns in my life that do not lead to the life You desire for me. Today, I choose to trust You and walk the narrow path, knowing that in You alone is true hope and eternal life. Shape my heart, renew my mind, and guide my steps so that my life reflects Your truth.