Processing Disappointment

Agree or Disagree: It is okay to be disappointed when results from our efforts to proclaim the gospel don’t match our expectations.

Evangelism can be a long, difficult journey. It often takes persistence, patience, and prayer before God works in a lost soul and they believe in Jesus.

When it comes to sowing gospel seeds, we rarely see the results of our efforts. Seeds take time to grow into a plant to be harvested. So it is with the soul.

Missionaries often tell success stories when they come and present at congregations or write articles. They want to share with you how God is using them and the power of his Word to bring people to faith. It is inspiring to hear.

We often don’t hear about the hundreds or thousands of seeds they have planted which have not been reaped. Seasoned missionaries have learned the importance of persistence, patience, and prayer. They have learned to take joy in the sowing of gospel seeds and trusting that God will provide results. When it comes to reaping a soul for eternal life, we don’t often see how others have done the hard work before us. (John 4:38) Therefore, we can process disappointment by taking joy in the sowing and embracing the role God gives us to start the process of planting a gospel seed in the hearts and minds of people around us. Who knows? Perhaps in heaven a redeemed soul will thank you for proclaiming the gospel to them that led to receiving saving faith. And the joy you receive is hearing about your role for the first time.

Take Action: Record your answers to the statement above on page 11 of the study guide.