Handling Disappointment With Grace
January 4th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 ESV
I must admit, I don’t think I would make a very good John The Baptist. I mean John was really sacrificing for his faith. He was living in the desert. He was wearing terrible clothes and the food he had to eat was worse than awful. And after all that, another one comes after him and steals his followers.
Like John I worked hard at what I once thought was my calling. I taught Bible studies, I was at the church every time the doors were open, took a few seminary classes when I could and even filed in for our pastor on occasion. I felt sure that one day I would go on staff with a church somewhere.
But then it all went off the rails.
Unlike John the Baptist I couldn’t sit back and gracefully watch others be successful. I’d see others fulfilling the dream, their calling and have success in the ministries they worked at and this would make me resentful. I’d withdraw so I didn’t have to face my disappointment in myself and in God.
If I’d have been John I doubt I could have stepped aside and say “He must increase, but I must decrease.” I’d be angry with God arguing that my life in the desert, my uncomfortable clothing and my bug filled diet should have at least qualified me for something more.
But that’s why John has his honored place in the Gospels. He’s not like me. He knew what his role was and it wasn’t to lead a group of followers but instead it was to be “The voice of one crying in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:4 ESV).
We could probably all learn a lot from John. When others are successful and you’re overlooked are you happy for them? When a co-worker gets the promotion you wanted will you celebrate with them? Will you handle disappointment with grace?
