Healing and Disappointment
Luke 7:18-23 (NKJV)
Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'" And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
3 ways that people get offended at Jesus:
1st: People get offended at Jesus when they focus on what He isn’t doing instead of what He is doing
2nd: People get offended at Jesus when their questions aren’t answered
Mark 6:1-6 (NIV)
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
3rd: People get offended at Jesus when they have prayed a desperate prayer that didn’t result in the desired outcome
Desperation either leads to breakthrough or unbelief. That passion of the soul that is dependent on an answer to be satisfied usually leads to unbelief. That passion of the soul that leads to Jesus brings breakthrough. ~Bill Johnson, Moving From Defense to Offense
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 13:12 (ESV)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Steps to Dealing with Disappointment
1. Repent over unbelief
2. Be honest with God
3. Listen to God
Psalms 38:6-14 (NLT)
I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. You know what I long for, LORD; you hear my every sigh. My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. I choose to hear nothing and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O LORD my God.
4. Receive His peace
5. Focus on what God is doing rather than what He has not done
6. Be thankful
7. Read books about moves of God and the people who were used by God
8. Hunger for more
