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When Things Don’t Go As Planned (Praying Through Disappointment)

“Even if I have to die with You,” Peter told Him, “I will never deny You!” And all the disciples said the same thing.” Matthew 26:35

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Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away. Matthew 26:56

Have you ever expected a miracle, but then it seemed like the opposite happened?

You were asking God to keep your family together, but things fell apart.

You were believing God for a promotion, but instead your position was eliminated.

You were praying for healing, but then you were forced to prepare for a funeral.

These are the very things that often cause our formula for faith to fall apart, because nothing tests our faith like unmet expectations and disappointment.

Well before Peter denied Jesus three times, he pulled out his sword and cut off a man’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane during Jesus’ arrest (John 18:1-11). He had expected this King of Kings to lead them to victory, so he was ready to fight next to the One who had performed countless miracles. But when Jesus healed the man’s ear, told Peter to put down his sword, and was willingly led away in handcuffs, Peter wasn’t just dumbfounded — he was devastated.

Peter began following Jesus at a distance after His arrest (Matthew 26:58). In his disappointment, Peter took a step back from Jesus, and it was in that very space where he would go on to deny knowing Him three times.

How we process disappointment determines whether it becomes fear that paralyzes us or faith that fuels us. If we allow our disappointment to create distance between us and God, we will find ourselves like Peter — denying the very truth that once set us free.

Jesus wasn’t letting Peter down, and He isn’t letting you down either. He was setting Peter up for something that was beyond his wildest imagination, and He’s working something wonderful out for you too.

Maybe the reason God didn’t meet your expectations is because He wants to exceed them or even do something you would NEVER have expected. Will you move beyond being available and be flexible when God’s plan doesn’t match your preference?

Acknowledge your disappointment and unmet expectations today — and then take a step toward Jesus in faith. God’s presence is the best place to process your pain and frustration because He has perfect peace and comfort waiting for you. Don’t allow your disappointment to create distance between you and the One who is working all things together for your good.

Father, You see the broken parts of my heart. You know the plan I was clinging to and the disappointment I’m walking through. But God, I acknowledge that Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Your purpose is so much bigger than my plans. I am available, but I also want to be flexible. Help me follow You when Your plans don’t match my preference. Give me the strength to close any distance between us with steps of faith today. In Jesus’ name, amen.