14 Days to PeaceSample

Disappointment is inevitable, but despair is optional! 

During a global pandemic, everyone has this in common: a lot of disappointments. 

In Luke 24, we find a fascinating narrative about the risen Lord Jesus walking along with two disappointed disciples. The disciples don’t recognize the resurrected Christ, so Jesus let them talk. They spoke of the events of the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth and, with heads hung low, said: “We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” 

“We had hoped….” 

It’s a common refrain during times of sheltering in place. 

As for us, we had hoped to have a big Easter party as usual. My wife had prepared giant Easter baskets full of goodies for all of the nieces and nephews. But no one could come to our home. 

We had hoped that our niece, Mary Grace, could have the big wedding she’d planned for in May. But it was drastically downsized instead.

We had hoped to watch our son, Bennett, walk across the stage at Duke University in May for his graduation from law school. But they mailed him his diploma. 

I find it fascinating that Jesus chose to spend time on resurrection day walking a dusty road to Emmaus with two very disappointed disciples. He could have been so many much more exciting places, but Jesus made no grand statement in Jerusalem that day. He made no appearance before Roman rulers. He left the religious aristocracy alone. 

Evidently, Jesus enjoys being with people who are dealing with disappointment. He’s not scared of your grief. He’s familiar with disappointment. He’s acquainted with pain. 

The first and most important ministry of Jesus to the disappointed is His presence. He heals our hurt not by giving us all the answers but by giving us Himself. 

It means that we mustn’t hesitate to be honest with God about our feelings of disappointment. Like grief, you don’t go around disappointment, you go through it. But you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Jesus walks with you in your disappointment. His presence is healing. And that’s the Gospel!

Questions for Reflection:

1) What have you hoped for in the past weeks or months? Which hopes came true and which were left unfulfilled?

2) Where do you turn or whom do you turn to when life disappoints you? Do you turn to friends, social media, etc.? What would it feel like to turn to Jesus?

3) Jesus not only walks with you in your disappointment, but also He knows what it feels like. Ask God to make His presence known to you in times of hopelessness. Write down your prayers and thoughts.