My heart dropped into my stomach. Never in a million years had I seen this coming.
I’d been tossing and turning in bed, finally surrendering to a sleepless night. I groggily reached for my phone for some mindless social media scrolling. When an image of an old friend crossed my screen, my foggy brain jolted into consciousness.
This friend was announcing that he was leaving his faith and his church. The truth barreled toward me like a semi-truck tearing through a foggy night at full speed. Someone who I’d known years ago to passionately follow Jesus was now walking away into a different lifestyle. This is not what I expected.
I wish I could say that I immediately cried out to Jesus. Instead, I got stuck in the intersection of disappointment and curiosity. I’m even more embarrassed to admit I went digging for dirt on the situation. I became a social media Sherlock Holmes, ready to uncover the pieces of this mystery. How had this happened? What led up to this huge life decision? At the same time, I mourned how a fellow believer could change their worldview so drastically.
Eventually, my search for answers became a quest for hope. Not just because of this circumstance but because of what it represented: Life is full of unmet expectations. Friends may fall away from faith. Spouses may stray. Mentors may let us down. Where is the hope?
In times like these, the Holy Spirit reminds me of the singular hope on which my life must be built: Jesus Christ Himself. Hebrews 13:8 promises, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The same God who gave sight to the blind, who turned water into wine and who gave Himself for us is with us today. He is our hope!
It makes me chuckle to think of it this way, but imagine if God had a social media account. His status updates might read:
“Still faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
“Still righteous.” (Psalm 97:2)
“Still loving.” (Hosea 3:1)
“Still your source of hope.” (Romans 15:13)
I think God would welcome our social media snooping on His page. In fact, what if God is waiting for us to spend time digging up the “dirt” on Him — praying, listening, studying His Word — so that He can show us firsthand that He never fails? What if our greatest letdowns are God’s invitation to a deeper relationship with Him, the One who knows what we need before we ask?
Friend, if you’re discouraged, envision Jesus standing in the gap between your expectations and reality. Grab His outstretched hand. Sit quietly with Him. Study His Word. Dig up the “dirt” on God. You’ll find fertile soil where your faith can take root and where hope will blossom.
Dear God, when unmet expectations break our hearts, remind us that You are our source of hope. Draw us near so that we might find comfort, strength and transforming power in Your unchanging love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
