from A Heart Like God's series
““Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.””
#4 from Peace: Goodwill toward Man
Confronting Self-Disappointment
The dawn of a new year carries a unique energy—a blend of hope, reflection, and determination to make the most of the fresh start. Many set goals for personal, spiritual, and professional growth, aiming to align their lives with God’s will. Yet, it’s easy to find ourselves weighed down by self-disappointment when our lofty resolutions falter.
“Have you ever disappointed yourself?” It’s a universal struggle, but disappointment doesn’t have to define us. Instead, it can be an opportunity to reset, not just our goals but our perspective.
Self-disappointment often stems from unmet expectations—whether it’s a failed resolution, a spiritual goal we didn’t achieve, or a recurring sin we haven’t conquered. These moments can feel crushing, leading us into a spiral of negative self-talk and guilt.
When we fall short, we might think, I should be further along by now. We compare ourselves to an idealized version of a Christian and find ourselves lacking. This mindset distances us from God, not because He pulls away, but because we let shame and guilt cloud our view of Him.
But here’s the truth: God already knows your weaknesses, yet He loves you anyway. Psalm 103:14 reminds us, “He knows how we are formed; He remembers that we are dust.” When we feel the weight of self-disappointment, we must remind ourselves of this: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
The Finished Work of Christ as Our Default
The angels’ proclamation at Christ’s birth—Peace on earth, goodwill toward men—was not about peace among humanity but peace from God toward us. This peace is rooted in the finished work of Jesus: His death, burial, and resurrection.
This truth should be the thermostat of our hearts. A thermostat regulates the temperature in a room, keeping it consistent. Likewise, the finished work of Christ should regulate our thoughts and emotions, anchoring us in the reality of who we are in Him.
When disappointment arises, we must filter it through the cross. Ask yourself:
What do I know about God’s character and Christ’s work that applies to this situation?
How does the gospel redefine my failure?
When I fall short, I remember that Jesus loved me and died for me while I was still a sinner. He raised me with Him into a place of honor, seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). This perspective doesn’t excuse sin but empowers me to rise above it.
Jesus and Peter: A Story of Restoration
Peter’s story is one of the most powerful examples of God’s restorative love. At the Last Supper, Peter boldly proclaimed his unwavering loyalty to Jesus, saying, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37). Yet, within hours, he denied Jesus three times (John 18:15-27).
Imagine Peter’s shame and disappointment after Jesus’ crucifixion. He must have thought, It’s too late for me. God can’t use me now. But Jesus, in His resurrected glory, sought Peter out—not to condemn him but to restore him.
In John 21:15-17, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” The Greek words used for love in this exchange—agape (self-sacrificial love) and phileo (friendship love)—reveal the depth of Jesus’ pursuit. At first, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him with agape, but Peter, burdened by his failure, could only respond with phileo. By the third time, Jesus met Peter where he was, asking, “Do you phileo me?”
This exchange is significant. “Disappointment will cause you to take steps away from the Lord,” I shared, “but Jesus always moves toward us.” Despite Peter’s reframing of their relationship, Jesus reaffirmed His call: “Feed my sheep.”
Jesus’ interaction with Peter teaches us that God’s willingness to use us is not contingent on our perfection. He is always working to restore us and remind us of our purpose.
Reasoning with God
Isaiah 1:18 invites us into a transformative dialogue with God:
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
This reasoning is not about condemnation but restoration. It’s an invitation to honesty, to confront our failures and allow God’s truth to redefine us.
Reasoning with God often means sitting in silence, letting His Word expose the lies we believe. Your heart will serve up the areas you need to address—whether it’s guilt, shame, or pride. “You’ve got to dive into the darkness of yourself, knowing that He’s not going to give up on you.”
Breaking Free from the Guilt Cycle
Hebrews 9:14 speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s blood:
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
Guilt and shame are paralyzing. They keep us from stepping into God’s calling, making us feel unworthy to serve Him. But confession—agreeing with God about our sin—breaks the power of guilt.
“Confession is not about convincing God to forgive you again. It’s about aligning your perspective with His truth.” When we confess, we declare that Jesus has already dealt with our sin and that His righteousness defines us.
Stepping Boldly Into 2025
It’s time to reset. Like Peter, we may feel unworthy, but God’s call remains: “Feed my sheep.” His plans and purposes for us have not changed.
Are you letting past failures define you? Are you reframing your relationship with God because of guilt or shame? If so, it’s time to let go. Isaiah 54 reminds us of God’s everlasting compassion and His covenant of peace. His love is restorative, not condemning.
“It is not too late for God to accomplish through you the assignments He has placed on your life.”
Practical Takeaways
Embrace Honesty with God
Take time to reason with Him. Allow His Word to expose areas of guilt, shame, or avoidance, and align your thoughts with His truth.Reframe Disappointment Through Christ
Remember that God’s love and calling are not dependent on your perfection. Return to the cross and let His finished work set the thermostat of your heart.Practice Sharing the Gospel
Grow in confidence by rehearsing the gospel story from creation to Calvary. Be ready to share the hope you have in Christ.Step Boldly Into 2025
Let go of the past, embrace your identity in Christ, and move forward with confidence, knowing that God’s compassion and grace are everlasting.
Confront your self-disappointment, reason with God, and step into the year ahead with the assurance that His love and purpose for us remain unshaken. Let 2025 be a year of restoration, growth, and bold faith.
Forward Ministries is the teaching and resource ministry of Clint Byars
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