The Enemy’s Work
One may argue, “But I know people who were good Christians who have fallen away.” Yes, but in many cases you will find that, at some point, they fell into deep disappointment about some failed spiritual expectation. Disappointment is not just a sad, emotional state of mind; deep disappointment actually can sever our hearts from faith. It is the enemy’s work. Demonically manipulated disappointment can actually “dis-appoint” a person from God’s destiny for their lives.
I have known many who were doing well, moving toward their appointed destiny. The future God had for them seemed almost close enough to taste. Then they became disappointed in someone or something. By accepting into their souls this demonically manipulated disappointment, their faith turned dormant; a bitter winter took over their souls. It is here, even in the throes of disappointment, that the righteous learn to live by faith (see Hab. 2:1-4).
We all face times of disappointment. I went through a time when the promise of God seemed like a foolish spiritual fantasy. For nearly three years I had not been involved in pastoral ministry. No doors would open. God was doing a work in my soul to cause me to trust Him, but I felt abandoned and cut off from my calling. In a moment of abject honesty, I prayed: “Lord, You promised that those who believed in You would not be disappointed. Master, You know all things. Look at my heart. I am full of disappointment.”
The Lord simply replied, “Your life is not over.”
Of course, I knew that. I was a healthy young man not older than 40. Yet the spell of disappointment had flooded my soul with darkness, causing me to conclude erroneously that God was done with me.
Listen well, my friend: Satan can stop your destiny or mine if we accept the power of disappointment into our lives. Once we accept the heaviness of a deep “dis-appointment,” backsliding is often not far away. You see, “dis-appointment” cuts us off from our vision, and without a vision people perish.
Are you carrying disappointment in your heart? Renounce it. Forgive those who have let you down. Have you personally or morally failed? Repent deeply and return to your Redeemer.
Holy Spirit, I ask You to remove from my brother and sister the paralyzing sting of disappointment!
Beloved, the Spirit of God has come to release you of the effect of the “dis-appointment.” He reminds you, your appointment with your destiny is still set.
About the author: Francis Frangipane is the founder of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has traveled throughout the world ministering to thousands of pastors and intercessors from many backgrounds. In June 2009, he retired from his position as senior pastor of River of Life Ministries and is devoting himself to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word. For more about his ministry, go to www.frangipane.org. The preceding message is adapted Francis’ book, This Day We Fight, published by Chosen Books. To order, click here, or to order from Francis’ Arrow Publications, visit arrowbookstore.com.
