Disappointment: Jesus I Tried So Hard!

Dear Jesus,

I tried so hard to make it work, but I failed. This situation didn’t end the way that I had hoped and expected it would, and I am so disappointed.

I sought Your will, and I thought I knew what to do. I used great care moving forward toward the goal, and I stopped often to pray. When obstacles got in my way,

I asked for Your guidance, and I waited patiently for You to answer me. I was diligent in my work, never giving up. And then, with the finish line in sight, everything came crashing down. All of my work was for nothing!

I am like the runner who has trained for a marathon. I ran fast and hard and then, just a few yards from the finish line, I fell.

Why, Jesus? Why did You allow me to work so hard and get so close just so I would fail?

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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7

Disappointment makes us ask, “Why didn’t I? Why didn’t God?”

Sometimes the Lord allows disappointment in order to build our faith.

The apostle Paul is an example. Few worked harder than he, but all his hard work landed him in prison. Paul’s disappointment strengthened his faith and drew him nearer to the Lord. When disappointment strikes, keep the faith. Remember — Jesus loves you!

Excerpted with permission from Jesus I Need You, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Are you disappointed? Are you disappointed in God? Have life circumstances caused you to wonder if God even listened to your prayers, or if maybe He led you astray allowing your hopes and dreams to come to a screeching halt? Lean into His love for you today. Bring your worries, concerns, and even your disappointment and anger to Him. He isn’t surprised and He’s waiting to build you up and strengthen you. Leave your comments on our blog! We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily