Dealing With Failed Expectations
God's mercy and grace are greater than our expectations, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
David Wilkerson addresses the dangers of harboring resentment toward God, particularly among believers and ministers who feel disillusioned and burned out due to unmet expectations. He illustrates this through the story of Jonah, who, after obeying God's command, was disappointed when Nineveh was not destroyed as he anticipated. Jonah's expectations led to grief and anger, but God's mercy prevailed, showing that His plans often differ from ours. Wilkerson emphasizes that God understands our struggles and encourages believers to seek Him for healing from bitterness and disappointment, reminding us that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
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Some believers harbor resentment toward God, which can be very dangerous. Sadly, a growing number of ministers are becoming increasingly disillusioned, burned out, even angry with God, and are walking away from their calling. While this is hard to understand, many of them reason, "I was diligent, faithful -- I gave it my best -- but the harder I worked, the fewer results I saw. My congregation was not appreciative and all my prayers seemed in vain. Now I'm taking a step back so I can try to figure things out."
The Bible gives us an example of a missionary who grew disheartened when things didn't go as planned. "The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 'Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you" (Jonah 3:2). He had disobeyed this command once before with dire consequences (remember the story of Jonah and the whale?) but this time he obeyed and preached the message God had given him.
Jonah expected the city to be destroyed and so he waited for it -- but nothing happened! Why? Because God had mercy and changed his mind: "God saw their works ... and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them" (3:10). In other words, the people of Ninevah repented and God showed them mercy and grace.
Jonah was grieved and disappointed because things hadn't gone as planned. Also, his pride was wounded and this wounded spirit eventually devolved into rage.
God understands our pain and confusion; after all, our cry is a human one. Remember, the Lord has only good things in mind for you and he will heal you of all bitterness as you seek his face. Truly "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Hallelujah!
Sermon Outline
- Failed Expectations
- Why Things Don't Go as Planned
- Seeking God's Face
- Healing from Bitterness
- God's Reward for Seeking Him
- Mercy and Grace
Key Quotes
“God understands our pain and confusion; after all, our cry is a human one.” — David Wilkerson
“Truly 'He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him' (Hebrews 11:6). Hallelujah!” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should trust in God's goodness and mercy, even when things don't go as planned.
- We can find healing from bitterness by seeking God's face and diligently seeking Him.
- God rewards those who seek Him with all their heart.