Disillusioned: When Faith Merts Disappointment

By Pastor John Mateos Ong

Christians have invented their own version of Christianity. It is easily accepted by men but it’s difficult to maintain. At the first onset of problems, they turn their backs right away. When reality hits, their faith crumbles and they tell themselves that either God has failed or He’s not real. Disappointment happens when your expectations are not met. But your expectations are sometimes very far from reality.

Common misconceptions about Christianity are:

There will be no more troubles, but Psalm 34:19 says, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”

‭John 1:33 also says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.””

‭‭Only the dead have no troubles.

All you need to do is pray the sinner’s prayer and you’re saved. How will you know if your faith is real? Luke 9:23 says, “Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

‭Your faith can be seen in your life. A real believer withdtands the tests and trials of life and will not easily waver or fall in the dace or adversity.

If I tithe, God will multiply it. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”” The reason you give is to give back to God, not for Him to give back to you a hundredfold. God blesses in many ways; not only financially.

Christians do not struggle with temptation. The devil will tempt you all the more when you are in Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” When you are tempted, God is still with you and will make a way out. You can always say no because the Holy Spirit is with you.

I’ll always feel close to God. Do you sometimes geel like God is so far away even if you pray and read your bible everyday? Mark 9:24 says “The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!””

‭‭Psalm 101:1 also says, “I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.”

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With enough faith, God will answer my prayers with a yes. James 4:3 says, “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” Not all prayers are answered.  But when your prayers don’t get answered, faith comes in knowing that God has something better for you.

How will you not be disillusioned?

1. Desire growth. Hebrews 5:12-14 says, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” What are you willing to pay?

2. Complete. When you read the Bible, make sure it’s conplete. Not just Devotional. Read the entire Bible chapter. Acts 20:27 says, “for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.” You need to grow. But in order to do that, you need to know the good and the bad things as well.

3. Be a diligent student. 1 Timothy 2:15 says, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” There is a proper way of handling different things and situations.

Everytime you read, follow the SPECK:

Sin to avoid

Promise to keep

Example to follow

Command to obey

Knowledge about God

Ephesians 1:10 says, “And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” God is preparing us for the moment when He returns. It is not just a trial in life.

Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God is not yet done with me. We are not yet there but we have come so far from where we were.