It's an odd phrase, that's for sure.
And yet I believe it is a "holy disappointment" that God is cultivating in me- a disappointment that I have no doubt Christ felt concerning His followers during His own life here on earth. (And I dare say we have plenty of evidence to assume that God had a bit of that same feeling toward Israel.)
It's a disappointment that we, the (American, middle/upper class) church, are so often more focused on our own personal development than on the spreading of the Gospel through love and good deeds. A disappointment that we care more about talking about romantic relationships than talking about God's concern and command to love and serve others. (God does care about romantic relationships and personal development. I'm sure of it. But from what I can tell from His Word, He's got a lot more He wants to do in us and through us than that.) It's a holy disappointment that so many of us are missing out on the Spirit-filled life- one that produces great fruit- because we are too consumed by the rest of the stuff around us. It's a disappointment that while many churches are doing the good works that give life to faith, so many more are not.
It's a disappointment that Satan sometimes uses to paralyze me, to make me cynical and sarcastic. And yet it is a disappointment that- when I allow God to really use it- drags me to my knees as I beg God to make us- ME- better followers of Him.
And ultimately, it is a disappointment that reminds me of what's so great about the cross. That God would allow His Son to die for people like you and me who- by ourselves- are pretty darn disappointing, even on our best days. This disappointment reminds me that things are not as they should be- and yet there is a way that things can be made right. There will be a day when things are made right.
And while I long for the day when there is no longer a need for holy disappointment, I will allow God to cultivate this holy disappointment in me today, that I- and we- might better serve Him.
Thanks for sharing this- your "holy disappointment" is an encouragement!
ReplyDeleteLiz, Bill Hybels calls it the holy discontent...the area that becomes a thorn in your flesh because so little is being done when there is SO MUCH to do.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are spoiled, we have become accustomed to our schools, the "government", anyone and everyone we can point a finger at to do what WE as believers are called to do.
Mary