Have you ever fallen into disappointment or despair when people let you down? I have. It’s a sad and lonely place to be emotionally and spiritually. There are lots of reasons we experience this state of being. But, one of the most common is placing our faith in what is NOT faithful.
We are disheartened when people let us down. That’s only natural. Yet, we can minimize the pain a bit once we remember people are just…people.
As the late pastor emeritus of our church, Pastor Preston Allen, Jr. said “People do people things.”
In other words, in all our frailties and humanity, we, as people, are gonna mess up.
When we hinge our faith on mere human beings, or systems (created by human beings) when they fail, we are hurt. This hurt, if not remedied with the Word of God, can quickly turn to bitterness and even depression.
Neither is God’s will for you.
In my personal experience, I struggle with some of the conclusions of medical professionals.
While they know more than I do and I respect them immensely, they do NOT know everything.
Time and time again, I have seen doctors say one thing only to come back a short time later stating “I’m not sure what happened, but you have improved.”
Similarly, I also struggle with some conclusions of well-meaning Christians. Some Christians believe I should just accept life at face value and not ask God for what I want. I disagree.
He said I can make my request known and I do. I go boldly to the throne of grace.
Philippians 4:6:
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
We cannot and should
not trust anyone 100%
except for Jesus Christ.
He is the only infallible and 100 % faithful One.
Yes, God is in control.
He will never disappoint. Even when He gives us something different than what we ask for, His peace soothes us through the sting of disappointment.
Remember, His “no” is often protection and the guarantee of something better.
So, if your friends have not been there for you. Or they “leave you hanging”…it does not matter, trust God. He will never leave you. Plus, I think He will even send you better friends. Not that they will be perfect or always meet your needs – that’s God’s job.
Maybe the guy of your dreams didn’t marry you as he promised. God has someone better for you. Another truth is He may have some work to do in you so you will be ready for the caliber man you desire. Who knows. The point is not to put your confidence in people; mere flesh and blood.
Yet, another example…
Perhaps, your husband has the compassion and sensitivity of sheet rock…it doesn’t matter. Keep your faith in God and count on Him and Him alone for what you need and you’ll be just fine. People will forever disappoint, cars will wear out and water is wet- all are part of life.
Chrisitan Woman, when people let you down it hurts, but it could be an indication your confidence was in the wrong place and to the wrong degree.
As I mentioned earlier, you’ve got to keep our confidence in the proper place and in the property portion.
To reiterate we need to keep our confidence and faith in God and we need to trust him 100%. Along the same lines, while we can trust people and call them when we need help, our ultimate trust must be in the Lord.
Let me share what I do and what you can possibly do when people let you down:
1. Let the nuts go. If people repeatedly and habitually mistreated you, just release them from the offense. Forgive them. That doesn’t mean restored fellowship, but it does mean you let go of your pain and malice.
2. Tell no one. Little good comes from sharing someone else’s failure. It’s petty, pointless, and changes little. Vent only if you must and then select a listener who will keep the secret. Otherwise, tell God in your prayer time and pour out your heart to Him. After all, He’s the only one who can help anyway.
3. Remember that everyone is not your enemy. Sure some people are “dooty heads” trying to make others miserable. But, most people are not. You’ll only grow bitter if you think people are out to “get” you. Part of the forgiveness mentality is being able to trust others again. Forgive the person who hurt you and do not make everyone pay for their sin.
Again, release, tell no one, and let go of bitterness.
Remember, your faith is only as good as what you place it in. Place it in the One who never fails. Amen?
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