I was so disappointed. I had worked really hard on a project, and to be honest, it was a flop. It seemed that not as many people loved it as much as I did. And it made me just want to pitch a tent in the land of disappointment and quit! Never write another word.
I think the women on Jesus’s ministry team must have felt the same way. They had committed their lives to the Messiah and believed that He would restore Israel. Mary Magdalene and a handful of other women had followed Him for more than three years. But life had not turned out like they thought it would. Their hopes and dreams were nailed to a cross, and the lifeblood spilled on the ground to be trampled underfoot. Their future lay in a borrowed tomb—sealed behind an imposing stone.
It appeared Jesus was not going to be the ruler and set things right after all. The very people He came to save had killed Him. This was not how the story was supposed to go . . . at least in their eyes.
So, what did Mary and the other women do? On the third day after Jesus’s death, while it was still dark, they got up, gathered their spices and started walking to the tomb (John 20:1).
Never mind that it was still dark.
Never mind that a giant boulder blocked the tomb’s entrance . . . a stone too heavy for the women to move.
Never mind that armed Roman soldiers stood guard over the grave.
Never mind that the disciples were so discouraged and disillusioned that they hid away in a secret room.
Never mind all that.
The women didn’t have all the details worked out in their heads, but they were not going to sit home in their discouragement—paralyzed into inactivity. They were going to move forward…while it was still dark.
Mary Magdalene got up, and she got going…while it was still dark. In the end, she was not disappointed that she took this step of faith, and you won’t be either. Just as assuredly as Jesus met her at her greatest point of need, He will meet you at yours.
Did you notice that Mary Magdalene didn’t wait until her circumstances changed before she got moving? Jesus was still dead as far as she knew. But she got up and moved forward anyway.
And where did she go? Yes, she went to the tomb, but there is more. She went back to the last place she had seen Him. Perhaps that is where you need to go today. Go back to the last place you encountered Jesus. Even if it is still dark. Even if you are still in a dark place.
Even if a seemingly impossible imposing boulder of disappointment is blocking your dreams. Don’t worry about moving the stone. God’s good at that. You just keep putting one faithful foot in front of the other and let God take care of the rest.
Oh, what we miss when we make camp in the painful place of disappointment and refuse God’s invitation to continue the adventurous journey. We miss the moments of sudden glory when our eyes are shut tight because of discouragement, and our hearts are bolted fast with despair.
Don’t let the weight of discouragement hold you down or lower your expectations of the life in Christ. Get up. Get moving. Open your eyes. Open your heart. There’s more to experience just around the bend.
Heavenly Father, sometimes I get so discouraged that I just stop. I drive my tent pegs down in the soil of discouragement and camp out. I know I need to leave the past behind and press on toward what is ahead. That is exactly what I’m going to do today. Give me the courage and the power of the Holy Spirit to take the next step out of the wilderness and head toward my Promised Land. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Is there a disappointment that you need to move on from? Can you give it a name? If so, leave a comment and let’s share. Naming it is the first step!
Digging Deeper
Don’t you love reading about the courageous women in the New Testament? Their story is your story. Jesus made sure that they never felt “less than” in a culture that didn’t even count women as people. He honored them. He honors you! NEVER LESS THAN: Living Esteemed, Empowered, and Equipped When the Word Tells You Otherwise is a message that every woman should hear. If you’ve ever felt less than because of your past, your present circumstances, or your gender as a woman then this book is for you! This is a message that your daughters and granddaughters need to hear. Click here to learn more. Click here for a FREE download of 25 Ways Jesus Honored Women.
Comments 64
My marriage. Thirty eight years with a man who is a roommate. In bed all the time. We do nothing. Kids don’t come around. I’m lonely!
I’m a housemate to my husband. Sadly that’s all. He showed interest in me in the dating years and things shortly changed after marriage. He has a lot of pride and he says hurtful things to me. Jesus is my husband as the Bible indicates. I don’t know if you ever read that part of the Bible or understand how it is meant. Emotionally spiritually he is the one I talk to where my husband is lacking and he – – Jesus is the best possible husband ever of course
Praying for you Tracey. I feel your pain.
Disappointment in myself.
Hi Kari, I totally understand. What can you do today to make yourself happy, sing, worship, or go for a walk? {perhaps watch God’s creation, Please get outside and spend 10 minutes or so, gaining His wisdom for your situation, I pray you will and can. Sincerely, your friend, Lisa
Thank you, Lisa. I do get out. I appreciate your caring enough to write. God bless you!
Same Kari L. Same here. 😢
Praying for you, Christi!!
Well written. Keep in mind that many men read your work. The way Jesus interacted with women in a culture that did not respect them indicates His love and special regard for them. He even dialogued with a Samaritan woman! Oh my! The role of women throughout Scripture is extraordinary. It has been clearly stated that the Bible exposes the important contributions of women when in most societies they listened, learned, and submitted (in the wrong sense) to the male. Yes, they were to be “helpers” not slaves and doormats. -Ray in Michigan-
Author
Fun fact. The Hebrew word helper in Genesis is “ezer” which means “a strong helper, one who comes to rescue.” Most of the time the word is used in military terms or of God who rescues😊
Your reply blessed me! Even though I struggle to feel seen, heard, respected, or appreciated for the good I try to bring to my family, job, and other relationships, there is my relationship with Christ who would stop for me on the side of the road…He would let me touch him to be healed. Lord I thank you that even today where I feel disappointed leaving one job going to another after doing all I can to help Restore compassion, be an example of servitude in a place that is supposed to teach and demonstrate you Jesus, I am going to trust that where I am headed, you’ll be there. Forgive me for allowing the disappointment to get in my heart and make me offended and hurt. You said the times we were living in. I pray that you continue to Bless Ascension, It’s leaders, all the Nurses, Techs and staff I worked alongside… Those that I got along with and those who didn’t like me. Please Lord Plant me at DOC. I pray the Holy Spirit works through me each day and that you be Glorified. Whoever I am to form relationships with let you be the center thereof.
Thank you for all the instructions, guidance, help, correction, and discipline I have learned over the past 2 years on these jobs. I pray to be better fruitful fragrant and faithful in all I say, do, and where you send me. Thank you Lord for loving me. Your grace and mercy covers me. In Jesus name, I pray Amen!
I have been disappointed with my daughter s grades this past semester
Hello Dee
I know there could be many reasons for her poor grades and I don’t want to be an alarmist however I never dreamt that my sons poor grades in college and ultimately his flunking out were due to him developing an alcohol addiction.
Be compassionate and I’ll say a prayer this is not the case. It is not a journey I wish for anyone. They tend to hide it well and it took us a long time to learn what the problem was.
Remember there are solutions to everything so keep asking God for his guidance.
Alice
The timing was so perfect! I needed to hear this today & need to Get Up & Get Moving!
Author
You go in God girl!
I am disappointed that all my previous romantic relationships have failed, but I will not allow that disappointment to keep me in the dark. I will choose to be content in every circumstance and walk by faith not by sight.-Philippians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5;7.
Author
So proud of you!
Sharon, I know you target a female audience, but I want you to know there is at least one man in the mountains of NC that has read & learned from your writings since early days of GIG.
Disappointment is such an inviting place & we have so many friends there. Only by the strength of our Lord can we share encouragement and continue moving, men & women alike.
Thank you & God bless you.
Ron
Author
Ron, at gig we always called our male readers guyfriends in God! So glad you’re part of the family!
Hi, Sharon, thank you for this one. I have enjoyed your writing for several years. I have started on my second book, but i’m afraid to write it. I have identified that i’m afraid it will be a disappointment. What do you say to someone who is afraid of being a disappointment? I’m spending time with the Lord to break this lie, because i’m not going to live my life this way. There are amazing things that I know God has called me to do – many of which I have done with bravery and courage and some I’ve not done yet. I will press forward anyway and go while it is still dark.
Dear Robin,
I support you in your courage and bravery to keep writing that second book. You have immense strength and power to keep persisting!
Did you know there is a young person’s book entitled,
And She Persisted ?
Give yourself some God-applause!
You are rich with your God-given dreams-just keep the words flowing… Congratulations!
Beth
Misguided Management
Mike
My marriage of 38 years. So lonely. Kids don’t come around. They don’t like their dad.
Kari, I understand your pain I have been married for 33 years and my marriage lacks emotional stability or closeness. My children also do not like my husband which is sad and my oldest son comes here very rarely. I do have other children who still live with us but they stay in their rooms most of the time when he is home. So I do understand, do you go to church where you might be able to get into some women’s groups and make some friends to share time with? I know it is hard – I don’t really have any friends either – just work acquaintances. But church would be worth a try in finding some women friends to support you. Are you able to visit your children since they will not come there or are they far away? I will pray for you Kari – I pray that God will do what only he can do in your circumstances
Tina, you are so sweet to reach out. I do have a church I love, but not in any women’s groups. Thank you for encouraging me. Both kids are a 20-30 minute drive. My daughter and I are very close. My son is very distant, hurting I’m sure. I’m sorry your situation is so similar. Holding you up in prayer.
My husband lost his job yesterday. As an older couple we still need to be working and aren’t in a place where we can retire yet. God has provided for us before and there’s no reason to think He won’t now and in the future. Still, I feel a bit panicky about the future and how we will fare; and how to encourage my husband and be at peace.
Author
Lord, I pray for Becky’s husband today. Open up just the right job for him. Thank you for providing for them now just as you’ve provided in the past. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Failed relationships
Thank you for this word of encouragement. I listened to Michael Card”s song ” Is it All Over Now?” after reading this piece. It beautifully partners with your words.
That is so rich and so needed by so many–thank you!💗
I suffered a major stroke 21 years ago that left me with residual difficulties. After a stroke you have 2 years to regain the movements that were lost. That’s not much time when the world doesn’t stop until you catch up. I’ve regained a lot of the motor skills that were lost. For that I’m very grateful and I realize this could have been a very worse outcome. However, my husband wants me to b back to my old self completely. We do know it’s up to God for this timetable. Thank you all for reading my comment and your continued prayers and encouragement will b gratefully appreciated.
Praying Lisa. For patience and courage in suffering. I never got my career off to a start. Now at 51 I finally have my teaching qualification and a teaching post to commence in the fall but I still feel unworthy and unqualified and consistently feel I’m not up to the job. Prayers appreciated!! Thank you x
Please pray for my daughter to get a job in nyc after a layoff. Praying for peace and calmness knowing God’s got her in his hands! Sharon your words are always so comforting. Thank you!
My son is in a custody battle, and discouragement and disappointment keep smacking him down. His children adore him, and he always makes himself available to them. The mom rarely follows the original court order with no consequence, but he has to follow every jot and tittle. He feels defeated and emasculated. He’s expressed recently that he just wants to give up.
relationships 1. with Christ seem like i am so far from HIM. 2. marriage nothing there room mates, can’t get him to go to counseling. I am stuck in a place of inconsistency and dead promises, to move, but don’t,
My marriage of 44 years – addictions that flew under the radar. Only a miracle will change anything.
I will keep moving forward. It seems pretty dark but JESUS is the light.
I choose Him, faith and wise counselors. Lord help me take the next step.
Rest in His mighty right hand! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He is ALL you need.
My husband’s addictions (alcoholism, pornography that led to infidelity, several times that I know of – during our 53 years of marriage) have brought me to greater dependence on my Savior and reliance on Him to meet my needs. Thankfully, I have seen miracles and we are still together. We have 4 children and 17 grandchildren who all love their ‘Pa’. I have to say, in spite of all the pain and disappointment, the Lord has honored my commitment and blessed me with so much. I’m 74 now and I am enjoying the life that we have.
Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
Disappointments and regrets from the past!
I know Paul encourages us in Philippians 3: 12-14 to not look at those things behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead! Keep pressing on!
Thank you Sharon for your encouragement and prayers each week!
I am just starting to read your book “Take Hold of the Faith You Long For”
God Bless you all!
Dear Sharon….first of all…. I LOVE your name!🥰.
Your devotionals get better every week & they always “hit home” for me.
Thank you for all the great ones.!♥️
Author
Thank you “same name friend”
I have been disappointed with how long it’s taking me to find a job after being laid off, how much debt will I go to before I find another. Wondering why but believing and holding firm that the God that delivered me from a similar situation 10years ago will come through again. Until then I will keep moving, keep living, keep praising and worshipping, serving and showing up.
Good morning Sharon,
ThankYou for sharing…it always seems to be the right topic at the right time…..
I know I have so much to be grateful for, but there is always those disappointments that drag on the coattails of gratitude..
I pray for the Grace to forgive those I find difficult to 💕 Love, those who have caused sooo much hurt to my family. I work to imagine cutting that drag on my coat tail and advance forward in peace and Joy….and the courage to focus and enjoy each and every Blessing that our Good Lord has provided …For this I pray in the precious name of Jesus. Thanks again 🌹
Disappointed that I will not be celebrating my 25th anniversary with my husband who has unexpectedly passed. Life looks very different now but Im trusting in the Lord to take care of me and I know He is close to the brokenhearted. Even though it may not always feel like it.
Author
I’m so sorry.
Disappointment…my 18 yo granddaughter is moving away from hugs & kisses & looks of excitement when she sees me. I know it’s normal, but my heart hurts. It’s this “growing up” stuff- the stages of life. I have to -and I do- keep on looking to God. He continues to put things in my life to fill up the emptiness with His hugs & kisses & welcoming looks. God is good- all the time.
Disappointment…my 18 yo granddaughter is moving away from hugs & kisses & looks of excitement when she sees me. I know it’s normal, but my heart hurts. It’s this “growing up” stuff- the stages of life. I have to -and I do- keep on looking to God. He continues to put things in my life to fill up the emptiness with His hugs & kisses & welcoming looks. God is good- all the time.
Always so encouraged by your writing! I am trusting God’s comfort and hope to strengthen my heart as I surrender the dream of having a daughter and/or a 4th child. My husband doesn’t want another child, and I am trusting God’s goodness in this even though it’s brought much disappointment to my heart.
Disappointed with the wait/weight of having a house on the market for 9 months. I saw His hand in the new house He provided for me to be by my family after recently losing my husband of 36 years . Lord please help me to trust in you and your perfect timing in everything in my life❤️
Hang in there! The wheels are turning. The Lord is at work even if it looks like nothing is happening. We were waiting for months, too. Almost gave up yesterday. Then a surprise offer came in last night from someone who viewed it weeks ago….a good offer. We are stunned & rejoicing! I’m praying for you!
That was us last year. After 6 months with not even one offer and only a couple showings, we took it off the market. We relisted it last month, and within a few weeks we had people fighting over it. Looking back now, I can see we weren’t in a good place last year. And God answered my prayer that a young family would buy our farm. He also lead us to a home that feels so peaceful and was only a lot last year in a subdivision we loved. I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it.
My husband’s health, recovering from open heart surgery and me being the care taker. Blessed he is still here but overwhelmed.
I have done what I can do these past 6 years of marriage, without the cooperation of my Husband. I have sought counseling ( alone), I have prayed ( alone), I purchased and followed the Praying for your Husband from Head to Toe book…but admittedly, at some point I just stopped praying…because Im exhausted, and my health and work performance has become strained because of it. It’s time to move forward with divorce.
God please, please give me the courage to see this through. Im scared that I might have to leave this home I have made! Please help Lord!
Sharon, when I saw the title in my inbox I was floored. We just awoke to great news after a long disappointing wait. I had nearly given up that the deal would go through yesterday evening. This devotional hit home! So well written! Thank you!
My transplanted pediatric kidneys function is declining. I don’t want to go back to dialysis.
The Loss Of What was, but after reading what you wrote, my story doesn’t end there, my new name to describe the blessing in the lesson. I Loss To Gain What God Has Ahead of Me💕☺️🙏🏾
I have been discouraged since decided not to do in vitro over 13 years ago. So many regrets. We have tried state adoption with no luck. I am now having to lay all this at the foot of the cross. I am asking God what’s next for my life. And what about my job? I am so exhausted in all of it. Surely there is a plan. I have been in waiting and it’s so hard. I’m trying to move! I pray and nothing is happening. This message came at a perfect time. Thank you for the encouragement!
The name for my disappointment is
Bored Lonelynes
I purchased a home in 2024 and in January 2025 my company laid me off. I’ve now been unemployed for 6 months with no hint of a new job. The market is so bad and my bank account is getting low. I keep praying and trusting but it’s hard when nothing is getting any better. If I don’t find a job–I’m afraid I’ll lose my home!
Land of enchantment. That is the name of the place where we have lived in New Mexico for the past 40 years. My Dad passed away last year and we are stuck in discouragement in the home we have lived and have memories for the past 25 years. I’ve been praying for signs and God’s approval and direction for my Mom and I to move to a new city for a fresh start and make new memories, new beginnings and new opportunities to grow and learn to find joy again. In Jesus name
My adult children. My son is married to a man and has cut off all contact with me since he married 8 years ago. My daughter abuses alcohol, has abandoned all 4 of her children who are living with their three fathers far from me in 3 different states. I only hear from my daughter when she needs something, usually money. I know God is in control and his plans are better than mine. However, all of this is so difficult to live with. I have begged and pleaded with God to “fix” my family but so far nothing has changed.
Oh April, my heart aches with you and for you. Kids can be our greatest joy and our biggest disappointments. I pray you have a church and are part of a women’s group. Praying for peace and joy to fill you.
Kari
My marriage.
My parenting of my only child need so much help and resources to propel my child and I’m all alone in it
I appreciate this honest and gutsy message, it’s like a battle cry for moving past disappointment and stepping into hope. Your point about recognizing your limits, trusting God’s timing, and picking one brave step forward really hit home. Thanks for giving us real tools to thrive, not just survive, through tough times!