What to Do if You Are Disappointed with God?Paraugs

Shattered Hopes

“We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21)

When Jesus asked what made the disciples sad, they told Him all that happened to “Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19). The disciples had hoped that “He was the one to redeem Israel”. Now this hope was shattered. They talked about Jesus in the past tense, since they thought it was all over.

If we look closely, these disciples were hoping for something that Jesus had not promised them. Yes, the Old Testament contains prophecies about a glorious future for Israel (and people from other nations), but this will happen at Jesus’ second coming. Nowhere had Jesus told them that He would redeem Israel from the Romans or restore their kingdom in a political way right there and then.

If we interpret Biblical promises according to our own hopes and theological strains of thought, there is the risk that we expect something that God has not promised to do. Let’s take material wealth as an example. Jesus does not promise His followers a lot of money or power. So, when we remain poor or powerless, this is not a sign that God has left us!

Is there something you are hoping for, but leaves you disappointed? Be careful not to get disappointed with God when you are actually hoping for the wrong things!