Hi Friends!
How do we let go of the disappointment that may pop up during the Christmas season or that we cannot seem to shake?
It is not a sin to feel disappointed when something good does not happen or something hard does. Disappointment makes our shoulders drop and our mouths frown. Inside, we feel that rock in our stomach, and during the holidays, it can feel even heavier.
Today’s Happy Monday invites you to let go of disappointment so you can experience fresh joy and fulfillment this Christmas. Join me as we look at the stories of some important background characters in Jesus’ birth.
In Luke 1, we meet a Jewish priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. While her story is brief, we are given enough of her circumstances to see what she is going through. Elizabeth is described as “from the priestly line of Aaron,” which points to her lifelong commitment to following God. This becomes even more meaningful when we learn something else about her:
“They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they both were very old.” (Luke 1:7 NLT)
An ancient Jewish woman’s value and self-esteem were tied to her ability to have children. Imagine Elizabeth’s disappointment each month for decades. Can you see her tears as she shakes her head at her husband and whispers “Not this month” again? As a couple, they endured this lifelong disappointment together.
I have never met a Christian woman who has not faced disappointment in her faith. Maybe you relate to one or more of these:
• You are praying for someone’s salvation, but they continue rejecting God or making destructive choices.
• You have contended in prayer for your marriage, and your heart aches from trying to hold onto hope.
• Maybe you are like me, a single Christian woman praying for love and marriage. It is hard to sit alone in church week after week surrounded by couples. I see you, dear friend.
• You are a parent believing God for your adult prodigal kids. You have prayed and spoken scripture over them. But, they're still far from faith or in limited communication with you. All of that is so hard - and you are not alone.
Again, it is not a sin to be disappointed. But there's an important lesson we need to learn from how disappointment impacted Zechariah’s faith.
During his appointed time to serve in the temple, Zechariah is visited by the angel Gabriel. He learns that his post-menopausal wife will have a baby. Stunned by this miracle, Zechariah cannot believe it.
“How can I be sure this will happen? I am an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years?” (Luke 1:18)
After so much disappointment, it seems Zechariah didn't believe that God could do the impossible. He went through the motions of his priestly duties, but when God announced His move, I wonder if disappointment had dulled Zechariah's faith.
His lack of faith cost him his ability to speak during Elizabeth’s pregnancy (Luke 1:20). He could not shout hallelujah or share their miracle with friends. (I also wonder if God also have used his mute condition as evidence that something supernatural was happening once Elizabeth’s geriatric pregnancy became known.)
How do you know if disappointment has dulled your faith? The biggest sign is going through the motions of the Christian life without joy. Sure, you attend church, read your Bible, or pray, but deep inside, you're numb or overwhelmed with heaviness. You wonder if others are God's favorites because He seems to answer their prayers more than yours.
Carrying disappointment around for long periods of time instead of surrendering it to God has consequences. Deep, unresolved disappointment can also become a foothold that Satan uses to whisper lies that could lead you toward sin or unbelief in God's love or promises for you. If you sense that's the path you're on, it's not to late to call on God for help!
How do we keep discouragement from dulling our faith like Zechariah’s?
FIRST, PRAY: SURRENDER/LET GO OF DISAPPOINTMENT:
God, I have allowed disappointment over ___________________ to sit in my heart too long. Today, I surrender _____________________________ to You.
I do not want to ruin my Christmas by clinging to disappointment. I want a fully alive heart and a faith grounded in You, not in what I want. Restore my faith and joy this Christmas season. Amen.
NEXT TRADE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR DIVINE APPOINTMENTS
Rather than focus on your disappointment, you can pray and ask God for divine appointments this holiday season. Be open for unexpected moments where you can share God's love, pray for someone or bless others.
This holiday season, I have had to practice letting go of a significant disappointment. I asked God to give me divine appointments to keep my mind focused on Him, and He did! Last week, I had several meaningful conversations where I spoke of God's love and grace and prayed for people. Such a sweet blessing and I'm asking God for more divine appointments this Christmas season.
If you read the rest of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story in Luke 1, they prepared for their baby. We are not given all the details, but they believed God and lived with expectancy. They prepared for the miracle even before they received it.
Don't worry, God hasn't forgotten the longings of your heart. As He works in His time and His way, wait with expectation. As we see from Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story, God never runs out of time to do a miracle, even when it feels past the time a miracle can happen.
Pray like God is going to answer.
Live like God is in control.
Prepare so you are ready when God moves.
Friends, we can do this.
