How to Live in the Tension of Faith and Disappointment

The Biblical definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 is "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” meaning a firm trust and reliance on God, even when things are not physically visible or easily provable. Faith and disappointment can one hundred percent co-exist because disappointment is not a lack of faith. It’s natural to feel disheartened, sad, and frustrated when believing in something, trying our best, and seeing zero change or results for months or even years. 

But in Matthew 17:20, Jesus assures us we only need a smidge of faith- the size of a seed, to be exact, for the impossible to become possible. Even Jesus showed disappointment at people and circumstances, often feeling disheartened and impatient by other’s lack of belief and humility around Him. Don’t believe the lie that your disappointment or frustration is synonymous with lackluster faith. If you still believe the Lord will come through and your prayers will be answered, you’re still honoring Him despite your disappointment.

Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/rezkrr

When we trust God’s timing, it’s much easier to have faith and remember that God is still in control when we feel stuck, unseen, and disheartened. Romans 8:28 says God works everything for the good of those who love Him. Sometimes, His plan is bigger, better, and longer-term than we realize. Whatever you’re hoping for – financial relief, a better relationship with your kids, or finally becoming pregnant after a series of miscarriages remember God’s aware of your hopes and desires, and He’s at work. 

It's not always bad when things don’t seem to be working out, coming together, or progressing in any way we’ve imagined. This could be a season of growth and developing trust or character before God’s best can be brought to fruition. Just remember, God is never ambivalent to our needs. He feels and sees your disappointment with the compassion of a loving father. 

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/fcscafeine

It can be easy to believe we’re the only ones going through seasons of disappointment, especially for long periods of time. This is when self-doubt often creeps in, leading us to wonder whether we’re qualified or deserving of what we’re hoping for. Thankfully, we can turn to the Word. All through the scripture, we see people of faith having to wait and, many times, even suffer for decades before seeing their prayers answered. 

Abraham and Sarah went childless until God blessed them with a son when Sarah was in her nineties. Joseph suffered as an enslaved person and a prisoner before God restored and elevated Him to Pharoh. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before God raised him to lead Israel out of Egypt. No doubt these people didn’t feel frustrated, pained, and deeply disappointed at the state of their lives until God “finally” moved. And notice in each case, God’s answer was greater and more magnificent than expected. God was still moving and working during the wait. Joseph was building trust with those around him, unknowingly setting himself up for the great glory God had in store for him, and God will surely do the same for us.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Rawpixel

Going back in time is the best way to boost your faith during seasons of disappointment. When you’re feeling attacked by doubt, fear, or hopelessness, it’s time to reconnect with God and meditate on His goodness. Listen to worship music and get into the Psalms, reminding your spirit of how good, faithful, and loving God is. I find worship the best way to fight the fear and doubt ushered in during seasons of disappointment because we’re not praising God for anything He’s done. We’re praising Him for who He is. Worship is never tethered to circumstances. That’s why it’s so freeing. We praise the Lord because despite what we feel or what the world tells us, we’ve been promised an abundant life in Christ. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to feel disappointment, sadness, and despair when our spirits are connected to Him in worship. Our souls naturally become uplifted and more full of faith because joy is the product of praise.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/RonTech2000

One of the easiest ways the enemy attacks our faith-especially amid disappointment- is by hindering our prayer life. We start questioning God's faithfulness when feeling let down, disillusioned, and confused. It’s easy to be thankful and worshipful when everything’s going right, but sometimes, our prayers feel redundant and lackluster when we don’t see any results. But according to Matthew 7:7-8, He wants us to keep asking, believing, and trusting. Jesus says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you," emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer and seeking God's guidance. Because according to John 14:13, He will come through. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son,” says Jesus. The key to fighting lackluster faith and hopelessness is connecting daily with our only source of strength and encouragement. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/imtmphoto

When I was going through a rough time with one of my teenagers a few years back, a friend asked how I could stay positive and believe things would get better. By then, I had already raised one teen to the point of adulthood, so my confidence came from my history with God. He came through for me and helped my first teenager through a whole host of issues, so I knew that despite my current pain and disappointment, God would come through again this time. When feeling disheartened, it helps to think of all the times and seasons of your life when God came through in ways you never expected. 

Can you remember praying for someone or something, and when God “finally” answered, it made sense why He “took so long?” Think about and celebrate all the unexpected and miraculous ways God has come through for you in the past. Sometimes, life's challenges feel never-ending and overwhelming, and it can be easy to forget all the ways God answered our big and little prayers throughout our lives. Our extended pain and disappointment are never a result of God’s inability or lack of desire to help. He already has a plan for whatever you’ve been hoping and striving for. The key is to reflect on His faithfulness until we get there.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Ridofranz